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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

In-bore radiography for large-caliber gun

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6084935

State-of-the-art techniques for dense object radiography, fast-transient digitization, modern computation, digital averaging and enhancement of multifilm radiographs, and microwave interferometry have been combined to provide modern propulsion and launch diagnostics for large-bore gun shots. An in-bore multifilm radiograph of a rod and sabot assembly was taken using a 2.3-MeV flash x-ray system. The launch system was radiographed approx.1 m from the muzzle end, where the gun tube walls are >1 in. thick. Excellent spatial resolution was achieved, and the straightness of the rod was determined to within 0.1 mm. A microwave interferometer produced in-bore position-vs-time measurements. External x-ray shadowgraphs were used to view yaw and sabot separation, and dynamic pressure measurements were compared with theoretical velocity profiles. The entire set of diagnostics comprises a self-consistent description of early projectile history.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
6084935
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-87-2788; CONF-8710148-2; ON: DE87014770
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English