Optically Based Pressure Measurement Approach for Interior Ballistic Testing

摘要

This report describes a recent patent disclosure for obtaining an optically basedmeasurement 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.