An Optically Based Pressure Measurement Approach for Interior Ballistic Testing

Abstract

This report describes a recent patent disclosure for obtaining an optically based measurement of pressure. The concept, which utilizes pressure-induced changes in polarization to modulate intensity, incorporates a means of addressing a universal shortcoming of optically based techniques-namely, temperature sensitivity. The invention has application for any pressure regime, but will be particularly advantageous for electrically or physically harsh environments. Embodiments of this concept may provide a suitable replacement for piezoelectric-based pressure transducers used in the testing of advanced gun propulsion system concepts. A design for a transducer that could be used to measure pressure from 0 to 1 GPa is provided as an example, and issues related to building a prototype for use in ballistic testing are identified and discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA337508

Entities

People

  • Michael J. McQuaid

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Detectors
  • Environment
  • Intensity
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Optical Properties
  • Polarization
  • Pressure Gages
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Refractive Index
  • Sensitivity
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Transducers
  • Wave Propagation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.