FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE EXPLOSIVE LENS ANTIFLASH SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE XM 112 PERISCOPE.
Abstract
A study program was conducted to determine the feasibility and practicality of adapting the Explosive Lens Flashblinder or ELF system for use in the Model XM 112 tank periscope. The purpose of the device is to protect the eyes of a viewer from the damaging effects of intense radiations caused by nuclear detonations. The ELF system, which employs an explosive to drive an opaquing material into a void between two lenses, was incorporated into experimental antiflash shutters. A special test apparatus called an optical dynamic densitometer was used to measure the time required for the experimental units to reach various optical densities. As a result of the tests a basic shutter design was selected which utilized a cloud by-pass, detonator-driven system. At ambient condition, using colloidal graphite in Arneel, closure times as low as 75 microseconds at the desired optical density were obtained. However, the Arneel mixture become a solid below -20 F. The opaquing material Silicone 555, was fired at -40 F and successfully closed the aperture in 135 microseconds. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0429423
Entities
People
- R. K. Thomsen