Abstract: An impact test apparatus includes a barrel adapted to contain pressurized gas and having a sealed end and an opposed open end. A shuttle including a bore for carrying a test sample is positioned for translation within the barrel. A seal is provided on the shuttle for sealingly engaging the barrel. The seal divides the interior of the barrel into a portion open to the atmosphere and a sealed portion. A trigger element selectively retains the shuttle in a fixed position within the barrel and permits the shuttle to be released to accelerate toward the open of the barrel as the pressurized gas in the sealed portion of the barrel expands. Brake rings are located proximate the open end of the barrel to decelerate the shuttle and retain the shuttle substantially within the barrel while allowing the test sample to travel towards a target aligned with the open end of the barrel. The impact test apparatus permits reliable and reproducible impact testing of projectiles without the use of towers or explosive charges.

Abstract: A rotational brake member controls the rotational velocity of an electric generator assembly housed within a projectile. The assembly includes an air-driven turbine and an electric generator. The brake member is affixed to the turbine which drives a rotatable element of the generator to produce electric power. The brake member is formed from an elastically deformable material and is adapted to contact the stationary surface proximate the periphery of the brake member at a predetermined angular velocity. In addition, a shock absorbing member formed from an inelastically deformable material is positioned to absorb shock to the turbine when the projectile is fired. Preferably, the generator further includes an elastomeric seat for biasing the turbine away from the shock absorbing member after the projectile has been fired.