Propellant Analysis in support of Low Observable Tracer (LOT)/One-Way Luminescence(OWL) Efforts

Transcription

1 U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Propellant Analysis in support of Low Observable Tracer (LOT)/One-Way Luminescence(OWL) Efforts 1-3 June 2015 Presented By: Matthew Horch ARDEC Project Officer, OWL Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

2 2 Agenda Overview of the OWL program Introduction to barrel spectrum testing Device design and test setup Generated data and analysis Future testing Summary Acknowledgements Questions

3 3 Overview of OWL Program Current Tracer Visual Signature Comparison LOT/OWL Concept Visual Signature with Current Tracers Operational/Training Increases soldier s survivability Substantially reduces signature of tracer Greater lethality for belted ammunition Tracer round gains lethality component Trajectory Matching for ball and tracer rounds Minimal material exiting the round Potential elimination of range fires due to tracers Training uptime increased Potential for every round to trace Approximate Visual Signature with One Way Luminescent Tracers Operational/Training Potential increase in soldier aim/effectiveness Faster point of aim corrections Follow every round to impact Potential addition of a new capability to rifle/carbine weapon systems Potential elimination of night vision equipment white-out No pyrotechnic causing intense signature Overarching goal of OWL is to Integrate a non-pyrotechnic, one-way visible, full day/night tracer into current ammunition production products in order to improve warfighter capability, reduce logistical burden, and reduce ammunition cost.

4 4 Introduction to Barrel Spectrum Testing In order to help drive technology solutions, ARDEC needed to determine and, more importantly, characterize the energy available within the system Allowed for better understanding of the energy to be utilized Provided areas of energy gaps Helped to re-evaluate potential concepts based on available energy It is known that there is intense heat, pressure, and light during an initiation event Only pressure is collected on a regular basis (EPVAT testing) Some thermal studies have been performed, but are based on legacy or commercial propellants Only light/wavelength studies ARDEC has seen, have been for muzzle flash work Internal barrel temperature and light/wavelength characterization during propellant initiation and propagation have not been fully captured, recorded, or characterized

5 5 Device Design and Test Setup List of key items utilized: Custom multiport barrel Visible and IR spectrometers Various focusing lens Fiber optic cables Custom lens housing Custom barrel plugs Software for analysis

6 6 Device Design and Test Setup ARDEC based design off of EPVAT style barrel with custom port sizes and locations down the barrels Custom housings needed for collected light & wavelength data as propellant propagates Special lenses were also created to insure multiple uses without breaking Custom Multiport Barrel Lens Housing Exterior of Barrel Side (Fiber Optic Location) Bore Side (Propellant Gas Location)

7 7 Device Design and Test Setup During testing, it is critical to capture the event, however based on software limitations it is difficult to collect every event (ARDEC is currently at an ~75% capture rate) Spectrometer collects data for length of integration time (green) and then writes the data (red) Data is not collected during the writing phase New software is available to reduce read/write times (non-data collection) Some concern that long integration times will reduce overall intensity of captured wavelength There is a potential to miss part of the event depending on read/write iteration

8 8 Generated Data and Analysis Testing conducted on multiple propellants over last 3 years Due to limitations of spectrometers used, data recorded was conservatively screened Data considered unreliable and screened from visible spectrometers Data collected at 400nm and below Data collected at 950nm and above Data considered unreliable and screened from nir spectrometers Data collected at 975nm and below Data collected at 1650nm and above Collected spectrum from 5.56mm 9mm size calibers, although the OWL effort is focused more on high velocity rifle systems Captured light density Units are Y-axis: Intensity (µw/cm 2 /nm) X-axis: Wavelength (nm) Essentially these are photons per unit area i.e. the light density at that specific port location broken down by wavelength

9 IRRADIANCE (UW/CM^2/NM) IRRADIANCE (UW/CM^2/NM) Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited 9 9mm TiteGroup Propellant Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4 Generated Data and Analysis 9mm - Commercial Significant discrete peaks and more visible wavelength energy in the propellant Transition to negative slope 9mm BullX Propellant Port 1 Port WAVELENGTH (NM) Minor discrete peaks and maintains positive slope WAVELENGTH (NM)

10 IRRADIANCE (UW/CM^2/NM) Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited 10 Generated Data and Analysis 9mm - Military 9mm WC Propellant Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port Multiple discrete peaks across all ports and visible wavelength energy available in the propellant Transition to negative slope 0 WAVELENGTH (NM)

11 11 Generated Data and Analysis 9mm Propellant Suite All 3 propellants were 9mm, 2 of 3 were commercial propellants for comparison and verification that discrete data could be collected IR data was not taken Key features seen All propellants provided discrete peaks Discrete peaks are distinct wavelengths specific locations Majority of the propellants have energies in visible spectrum Slope (positive to negative slope) of spectrum Can provide thermal characteristics of propellant If positive only can try and match up known black body curves Negative slope provides a more distinct curve to match to a known black body curve (location of the peak is the key distinction)

12 Irradiance (uw/cm^2/nm) Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited 12 Generated Data and Analysis 7.62mm Propellant Type A 1.80E E-01 Usable data of visible spectrometer 1.40E E-01 Positive slope into nir Port E-01 Port 2 Port E E-02 Some discrete peaks, but data points that more of the spectrum is nir based wavelengths Port 4 Port 5 Port 6 Port 7 Port 8 Port E E E+00 Wavelength (nm)

13 IRRADIANCE (UW/CM^2/NM) Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited 13 Generated Data and Analysis 7.62mm Propellant Type B Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4 Port 5 Port 6 Port 7 Port 8 Port 9 Port 10 Port 11 Port 12 Port 13 Port 14 Port 15 Port 16 Port E E+00 Usable data of visible spectrometer 1.40E E E+00 General shift toward IR that as you move down barrel, visible energy much weaker, no discernable visible spectrum discrete peaks beyond port 2 Positive slope into nir 8.00E E E-01 Port 2 (Closest to chamber) Port 16 (Closest to muzzle) 2.00E E+00 WAVELENGTH (NM)

14 IRRADIANCE (UW/CM^2/NM) Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited 14 Generated Data and Analysis 7.62mm Propellant Type C (Vis Only) Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4 Port 5 Port 6 Port 7 Port 8 Port 9 Port 10 Port 11 Port 12 Port Usable data of visible spectrometer General shift toward IR across all ports, propellant itself is showing less visible wavelengths and mostly IR energy. No discrete peaks noticed 0.8 Positive slope into nir 0.6 Ports 1 & 2 (Closest to chamber) Port 13 (over ½ way down barrel) WAVELENGTH (NM)

15 IRRADIANCE (UW/CM^2/NM) Distribution A Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited 15 Generated Data and Analysis 7.62mm Propellant Type C (IR Only) 4.00 Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 7 Port 8 Port 10 Port 11 Port 12 Port Usable data of visible spectrometer Data captured shows considerable energy at further ports, while ports closest to chamber have lowest energy Port Port 10 Port 12 Positive slope 1.00 Port WAVELENGTH (NM)

16 16 Generated Data and Analysis 7.62mm Propellant Suite Visible Propellants Based on analysis, military has various propellants that show a variety of characteristics Some show clear discrete wavelengths Some show cooling portion of their curves for better thermal analysis General trend is more propellants provide IR characteristics than visible, could be considered hotter propellants IR Analysis Data is still being collected and is confusing When viewing trends from Vis to IR, data (as seen by port location), lines do not match up Initial estimates of temperature ranges (based on trying to match known black body curves) are between ~1725 o C (3137 o F) - ~ 4225 o C (7637 o F) More analysis is needed to complete internal IR curves

17 17 Future Testing Team is still collecting data and is comfortable with the visible spectrum data Have initiated analysis on 5.56mm propellants and have drafted plans to continue testing into larger calibers as the program dictates Purpose would be to: Gather a complete suite of data Determine differences between caliber propellant wavelengths Re-look needs to happen at the IR spectrums Ideally would like to get a broader IR spectrometer to capture data into the MW if possible Would allow for better definition of thermal curve/black body analysis

18 18 Summary ARDEC has built, tested, and verified a unique capability to determine the specific affects of heat and wavelength propagation of propellants as they expand during initiation Materials and equipment used are easily transferrable to different calibers 7.62mm rifle propellants have completely different wavelength characteristics than 9mm pistol Data collected directly impacts models and technologies the OWL team is building and investigating Test setup and analysis show clear differences between all propellant types Equipment used is able to pick up specific differences in all propellants Provides that methodology for testing is sound Improvements can be made in type of electronic equipment used

19 19 Acknowledgements I would like to thank the following for all their support in this effort: Dr. Garry Glaspell, Engineering, Research and Development Center, Ft. Belvoir, VA Mr. Richard Hott, Night Vision Laboratory, Ft. Belvoir, VA Mr. Clifford Surrett, Night Vision Laboratory, Ft. Belvoir, VA Mr. William Battistelli, ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Mrs. Christel Kelly, ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Mr. Kevin Adams, ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Mr. Brady Broussard, BMB Guns, Milton, LA Ms. Colleen Malone, Engineering, Research and Development Center, Ft. Belvoir, VA

20 20 QUESTIONS?