An Investigation of the Use of Radiation from Radioisotopes to Measure Density Altitude
Abstract
All known methods that obtain density altimetry from the radiation of radioisotopes are reviewed and the results of testing one of the methods, small-angle-beta scatter, in an altitude chamber, is reported. The range of density altitude to be measured is from 100,000 to 300,000 ft, and within this range the small-angle-beta-scatter altimeter proves to offer a satisfactory theoretical solution. After small angle scatter in air occurs, the beta radiation is re-collimated and detected by an anthracene scintillating crystal and associated electronic equipment. The count rate of the apparatus is a decreasing function with increasing altitude, and it is this observation that makes the small-angle-beta-scatter gage useful a an altimeter. Testing showed that final results in an altitude chamber provide readable data from 100,000 to 210,000 ft. In the conclusion it is noted that the small angle-beta-scatter-density altimeter is especially suitable for mounting in hypersonic aircraft because it samples ambient air, requires no compressibility corrections, and can be located in fuselage areas of relatively low temperature that require no special protection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286925
Entities
People
- Alexander K. Rupp
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology