Evaluation of Energy Dissipating Materials for Use in Aerial Delivery of C-Rations,
Abstract
Increased mobility inherent in modern warfare demands a quick and accurate means of supply to provide the combat soldier with food, clothing and equipment. Since the fastest delivery is by air, a method is required so that the dropped items land intact at the desired location. Current methods of aerial supply employ large parachutes as descent retarding devices. However, due to the size of these retarders, the accuracy of aerial drops is diminished due to wind drift. Consequently, if dropped items are remote, even though intact, they are of no use to the potential receivers. While a drop is more accurate with the elimination of the retarder, without cushioning some items would be rendered useless from damage upon impact with the ground. A more practical system would be to use a small retarder along with a cushioning material to absorb the load energy upon impact. It is required that the cushioning material dissipate all the kinetic energy of the system at a stress value below the breaking strength (hereinafter called the fragility limit) of the dropped item. Other important characteristics of the cushioning material are its ability to deform uniformly upon compression throughout at least 75 percent of its volume and minimum resilience in order to utilize its energy dissipation properties to the maximum with a minimum bounce or return of the load platform upon impact with the ground.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- ADA307561
Entities
People
- Helen Wong