A Radioactive Tracer Method for the Inspection of the Delay Element in M200 Series Hand Grenade Fuzes
Abstract
Incorporation of a radioactive tracer within the delay composition provides a highly reliable method for the inspection of the delay column height in M200 series hand grenade fuzes. The resulting gamma-ray signal from each fuze gives a quantitative measure of total delay charge weight. Based on measurements with plant-size batches of delay composition, levels of radioactivity can be such to accommodate an inspection rate of two units per second, with a single inspection unit, without exceeding permissible external radiation dose levels. The inspection unit itself would consist of a simple, rugged, inexpensive scintillation-counter assembly. The radioactive tracer element need not be common to the delay composition ingredients but can be added to the mixture as a foreign material in ppm concentration. Thus a wide range of radiation half-lives and gamma-ray energies can be used. The radiological safety factors associated with the handling of bulk quantities of radioactive materials in an ammunition loading plant are discussed briefly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0695633
Entities
People
- Martin Gilford
- Samuel Helf
- Stanley Semel
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal