Aerial Penetrometers for Soil Trafficability Determination
Abstract
The aerial penetrometer, an air-droppable indicator of soil strength or related properties, is useful for evaluating the ability of natural soil areas to sustain the loads and traffic of aircraft or vehicles. Several configurations of this device, developed, tested, and demonstrated by the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories over many years, are described. They range from simple 'go-no go' flare indicators of soil shear strength, through adjustable devices to indicate a range of determined strength, to sophisticated models which telemeter the depth of penetration upon impact. Penetrometer functions of drop velocity, deceleration, impact force, and depth of penetration, calibration with static and dynamic strength of various soils, and correlation of aerially-determined soil strength to aircraft and vehicle mobility criteria are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0744598
Entities
People
- Carlton E. Molineux
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories