TESTING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING ACCELERATION FUNCTIONS

摘要

A testing method and apparatus for simulating acceleration functions experienced by a missile or a projectile during launch. The method comprises the steps of mounting a test piece on a test fixture so that its normal flight axis is perpendicular to the fixture's direction of travel, propelling the loaded test fixture along a straight path until a desired level of speed is obtained, guiding the fixture into an arcuate path, maintaining the speed of the test fixture constant while in the arcuate path, guiding the test fixture along a second straight path which forms a continuation of the first arcuate path, maintaining the speed of the test fixture and the test piece affixed thereto constant while traversing the second straight path, guiding the test fixture into a helical path, maintaining the speed of the fixture and the test piece constant while in the helical path, while maintaining constant speed for a number of revolutions depending upon the duration of the radial acceleration desired. The test piece is held in a rolling test fixture which is initially propelled within a rectangular shaped closed track by a blast of compressed air. The speed of the test fixture is adjusted in the straight sections by a plurality of controlled motordriven belt-type friction stabilizers which synchronize the speed of the test fixture with the speed in centrifuge sections located in an arcuate path and helical path.