Munition Mass Properties Measurement Procedures Using a Spin Balance Machine

Abstract

This Test Operations Procedure (TOP) describes the mass properties measurement procedures necessary for the set-up of spin balance equipment, fixture installation and alignment; test article installation and measurement of run out; and spin balance operations for munitions. This document specifically addresses testing of missile payload front end hardware. This procedure determines the mass properties, balance configurations, and balance specification(s) of live or inert munitions; namely, the Center of Gravity (CG), the Moment of Inertia (MOI), and the Product of Inertia (POI). This document specifically addresses testing of missile payload front end hardware. The purpose of this TOP is to establish guidelines and procedures such that mass property measurements can be performed using a spin balance machine in a uniform manner and result in accurate and repeatable test data. The results of mass property measurements of the total vehicle are used to prevent the payload from tumbling end over end after launch or to prevent the vehicle from quickly using up its thruster capacity in an attempt to point in the correct direction.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 09, 2015
Accession Number
ADA620960

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Centrifugal Force
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Gravity
  • Inertia
  • Instrumentation
  • Mass
  • Measurement
  • Moment Of Inertia
  • Munitions
  • Specifications
  • Standards
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • Test Facilities
  • Test Fixtures

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers