Performance Tests with the WES 4-ft Diameter Vertical Gas Gun

Abstract

Twenty-two tests have been conducted with the WES 4-ft Diameter Vertical Gas Gun. These tests were conducted over the entire operating range of the gun (0 to 2,070 kPa). The projectile velocity on these tests varied from 5.4 to 71 m/sec. The measured velocities were on average, about 90 percent of the values predicted by the mathematical model of the gun's performance. The accuracy of the velocity measurement is + or - 4.6 percent. Safety issues associated with the initial testing and routine operation of the gas gun are discussed. Predictive techniques for far-field ground motion and airblast are presented, along with measured data. A mathematical model for predicting the projectile velocity as a function of gas gun's reservoir pressure is presented and compared with test data. 'Nuisance' data collected on these tests indicates there is no potential for ground shock or airblast damage to buildings in the local area from the operation of the gas gun. The noise generated from firing the gun, is within allowable levels and caused little disturbance in surrounding areas. Gas Gun, Ground Shock, Projectile Impact, Ground Motion, Instrumentation Calibration

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA269384

Entities

People

  • Howard G. White

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Compressors
  • Compressed Air
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Far Field
  • Gas Guns
  • Ground Shock
  • Instrumentation
  • Mathematical Models
  • Measurement
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Models
  • Performance Tests
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Shock
  • Sound Pressure

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • ballistics.