The Manufacture of Light-Weight, Rigid Spheres.
Abstract
Effects of the atmosphere on the flight of an artillery shell require measurement of the relevant atmospheric conditions on a routine basis. Since the present method has a number of disadvantages, W.R.E. investigated the feasibility of using a passive falling sphere to provide the required data. In 1975, W.R.E. undertook the task of considering the Application of the Falling Sphere Technique to Artillery Meteorological Systems, with the study to be carried out in two phases: (1) Development of a radar reflective, precision sphere to a desired weight, size and surface finish. The spheres were to be instrumented and dropped from a meteorological balloon to check the data received against known meteorological conditions; and (2) Development of a sphere suitable for firing from an artillery cannon or rocket. This report deals with the mechanical manufacturing problems and their solutions for the 330-mm diameter smooth, radar reflective spheres developed in Phase I. At a later stage, 120-mm spheres of various weights were required with added constaints on the quality of the surface finish. The development of polyurethane spheres coated with special electrically conductive paint and polyester resin copper plated spheres is described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA054876
Entities
People
- F. V. Weeks