In-Bore Radiography for Large-Caliber Gun

摘要

State-of-the-art techniques for dense object radiography, fast-transient digitization, modern computation, digital averaging and enhancement of multifilm radiographs, and microwave interferometry have been combined to provide modern propulsion and launch diagnostics for large-bore gun shots. An in-bore multifilm radiograph of a rod and sabot assembly was taken using a 2.3-MeV flash x-ray system. The launch system was radiographed approx.1 m from the muzzle end, where the gun tube walls are >1 in. thick. Excellent spatial resolution was achieved, and the straightness of the rod was determined to within 0.1 mm. A microwave interferometer produced in-bore position-vs-time measurements. External x-ray shadowgraphs were used to view yaw and sabot separation, and dynamic pressure measurements were compared with theoretical velocity profiles. The entire set of diagnostics comprises a self-consistent description of early projectile history. (ERA citation 13:001415)