FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE EXPLOSIVE LENS ANTIFLASH SYSTEM FOR USE IN FIRE CONTROL OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS.
Abstract
An Explosive Lens Flashblinder (ELF)system was investigated for use in the model XM 38 tank periscope. The purpose of the device is to protect the eyes of a viewer from the damaging effects of intense radiation in the visible and infrared portions of the spectrum caused by nuclear detonations. The ELF system, which employs and explosive train to drive an opaquing material into a void between two lenses, was incorporated into experimental anti-flash shutters. A special test apparatus called a dynamic optical densitometer was used to measure the time required for the experimental units to reach various optical densities. Tests were also conducted to evaluate the structural strength of of the design, the characteristics of the opaquing material, and the operating efficiency at low temperature. As a result of the tests a successful shutter was designed which utilized an offset by-pass, modified implosion system. It was concluded that the final design, which achieved an average occlusion time of 113 microseconds, successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the anti-flash shutter, although further refinements to the device are recommended. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0427262
Entities
People
- E. M. Lowry