Simulating Firing Loads Provides Flexibility, Test Repeatability,
Abstract
The composite armored vehicle (CAV) is an advanced technology demonstrator (ATD) being developed to determine the potential of lightweight composites, composite armor, and integrated signature management technologies in combat vehicles. The goal is to maintain similar ballistic protection while reducing armor weight and structure by 33%. A prototype of the rear upper hull (quarter section), which incorporates the gun turret, was constructed to develop manufacturing methods and determine structural characteristics of the hull before building the complete vehicle. The quarter section underwent simulated firing impulse loads at U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center's (ATC's) firing impulse simulator (FIS) facility. Imparted structural loads corresponded to the firing of a 105mm gun at various azimuths and elevations. FIS allowed representative dynamic loads to be imparted, rather than static loads, to determine structural response. Instrumentation on the prototype measured accelerations, strains, and displacements, which were compared with computer models. ATC facilitated the comparison between test results and computer models by providing local access to work stations on which computer models could be imported and exercised by the customer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA323489
Entities
People
- James G. Faller
Organizations
- United States Army Test and Evaluation Command