Analysis of Radiometer Data from the Volga SA-2 Static Firing
Abstract
The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization's (BMDO) Innovative Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (ISTEF) collected data from the test stand firing of a Volga (SA-2 Mod 3 5 23) engine. The test was conducted at the Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC) Test Area 5 on September 15, 1999. Signatures were measured using a non-imaging radiometer and a suite of imaging instruments ranging from the ultraviolet through long wave infrared, as well as laser backscatter and transmission measurements. This paper reports the results of the measurements made with the radiometer. The objectives of the radiometer experiment were to show that the signal from the plume could be detected and that useful information could be extracted. The AC component of the total plume intensity was separated from the large DC component and recorded with a high gain AC-coupled silicon detector. Standard Fourier techniques were used to recover the Power Spectral Density (PSD). By examination, the largest spectral component of the PSD was related to the turbo pump frequency. Further filtering techniques provided excellent gains in the signal to noise ratio. The radiometer has since been used to collect data on Atlas II vehicles during boost and has repeated the ability to detect turbo-pump frequencies at ranges exceeding 10 km. Ongoing efforts include demonstration of the ability to measure combustion chamber acoustical modes, which may yield critical engine performance information such as thrust and chamber dimensions. This will lead to a more complete understanding of the mechanism that allows measurement of the relatively low pump frequencies. These measurements point out the ability to measure and process information that may prove useful for booster typing and target identification for Boost Phase Intercept (BPI) programs such as ABL and SBL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381067
Entities
People
- Andrew Grunke
- Brad Griffis
- John Stryjewski
- Jonathan Emery
- Joseph Salg
Organizations
- Computer Sciences Corporation