OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate novel/effective/survivable electrical and mechanical systems for a high g-load (100KGs for 2 msec duration and 30KGs for 5 msec duration) shock gage and data recorder. This system is to be used in high-velocity (>2,500 ft/sec) penetration experiments into rock and concrete (unconfined strengths of 1.5 ksi to 8 ksi) and high g load pyrotechnic events (120 KGs for 0.5 msec duration). DESCRIPTION: The weapons community currently has a strong need to obtain payload data on conventional munitions to aid in shock hardening existing weapon systems and researching new conventional systems developed in the future. For the next generation of weapons, military platforms will shrink in size but performance and lethality is expected to increase through novel new engineered designs, along with increasing the striking velocity of the warhead. Additionally, in order to increase the performance of these smaller systems, precursor shape charge warheads may be employed in some systems to soften the target in front of a penetrating advanced design warhead. The main warhead electronics, however, will have to survive the pyrotechnic shock generated by the shape charge detonation and then function (95 % of the time) after a full penetration into the target. Currently, many of the components that are used in fusing and data recorder systems do not perform well in high shock and pyro environments. Because of these issues, little is known about the witnessed conditions of the weapon system in these situations. A new, miniature, high-velocity/pyro-shock sustaining data-recorder is needed. This will measure and aid in understanding the conditions that a modern penetrating weapon system must survive in order to facilitate the design of new ones. PHASE I: In this phase, a proof of concept or prototype design of a novel high-velocity/pyro-shock multi channel digital data recorder must be developed. Included in this proof of concept will be a demonstrated capability for controller software, indentified hardware for data collection, recording capability, and a validated method for data retrieval/management. Minimum general requirements are 12 bit, 3 internal acceleration channels, 6 external digital data channels, non-volatile memory, sample rate of at least 1 Mega sample/sec/channel, 0.5 seconds of recording time, adjustable recording parameters to maximize recording flexibility, and built-in battery power conservation methods. System volume (without power source) will be no larger than 8 cubic inches. Designs that include novel passive or active mechanical designs that protect the electronics from very severe catastrophic loading environments are highly desirable. A clear Phase I to Phase II decision point will be accomplished by an evaluation and determination of the system feasibility, the use of high g tested components in the design, plus the overall design robustness and potential survivability of the system. PHASE II: In this phase, a prototype(s) will be developed and tested. As part of this demonstration, flexibility for use in measuring a variety of weapons system configurations must be shown either through design or prototype. Industry and government partners for Phase III must be identified to assist in support for the proposed design/prototype. The system must demonstrate a final capacity (either through prototype or credible design) a capability of surviving over 100KGs of de acceleration in short (a few milliseconds) and long (several tens of milliseconds ) duration shock loading and pyro events. The reliability goal is to exceed 95 % of the tests for acceptable data collection and recovery. Phase II to III milestone decision point will be made based upon an evaluation of the shock tests and data recovery of the system. If accepted, the awardee will provide an additional road map research and development plan and at least 4 prototype units to the DoD for additional joint evaluations. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The technology advanced in this SBIR can be used to improve the survivability of any engineered component used in high-shock, high-velocity impact environments. Specifically the technology advanced in this SBIR can be used to improve the reliability and survivability of miniaturized weapon fuses used in earth penetrating munitions, flight data recorders in the airline and transportation industries, as well as protective safety devices such as air bag sensors in automobiles. REFERENCES
Keywords: Data Recorder, Electronics, Fusing, Shock Hardened Components, Weapons
