Abstract: Apparatus for detecting high speed hits on a target is disclosed. A first set of detection lines are would in one direction around a target, and a second set of detection lines is wound orthogonal or diagonal to the first set of lines around a target. Where the detection lines are light-transmissive fibers, cutting of a fiber by a high-speed projectile or fragment causes a flash of photons that are detected by a detector attached to that line. Materials the lines are embedded in may also cause bursts of photons when pierced that is detected by detectors. The lines may be laid in prefabricated panels, or attached to an exterior or interior skin of a target. Moldings may be used to ensure that a bend radius of the light-transmissive fibers is not exceeded.

Abstract: A new radar is disclosed possessing desirable attributes for close range, short event time, high data rate sensing and data collection applications. A Continuous Wave (CW) or very high Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) Pulse based waveform, nominally with very high duty cycle (i.e. highly range aliased), is amplified and transmitted from one antenna, and after reflection from targets of interest, is received by one or a plurality of receive antennas. Both transmit and receive are optimally synchronous and phase coherent. The received signals are down converted to baseband leaving only the Doppler frequency from the targets of interest. These Doppler frequencies change over Fast Time as a function of the specific target trajectory and speed. A bank of time dependent correlation filters, each tuned to a different trajectory hypothesis, are used to integrate up the Doppler Signal for targets traveling the hypothesized trajectory, and decorrelated those that are not.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-technology sensor head tightly integrating an Electromagnetic Induction (EI) sensor coil for detection, localization and discrimination of metal in mines and Improvised Explosive Devises (IED), and a dual polarized Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radar antenna array for Ground Penetrating Radar for detection, localization and discrimination of same. The core challenge addressed is how to prevent the EI sensor from detecting the metal in the UWB antenna which then desensitizes the EI sensor and degrades its dynamic range. The key characteristic of the new UWB radar antenna design is its very low magnetic induction, thereby imposing very little degradation to the EI coil. Additionally, the UWB antenna array incorporates unique design features to enhances its low frequency performance for better penetration of the ground. Through the design guidelines taught herein the EI sensor has been demonstrated to incur no degradation from the proximate UWB array.

Abstract: A multiple energetic penetration and damage progression sensor is disclosed. A grid of sensing lines, such as passive optical fibers, is formed by laying the sensing lines in a crossing pattern to form a 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional coordinate grid. Signal receivers such as photo-detectors are connected to one or both ends of the sensing lines, and a data processor interprets received signals. When an impact or energetic penetration occurs at a location on or near a sensing line, energy passes down the sensing line in both directions away from the point of impact or penetration. Each pair of “X-Y” or “X-Y-Z” recordings from receivers receiving the energy is processed to determine a location, penetration volume and progression in time of the impact or penetration. This sensor can be made conformal to any regular and continuous surface geometry, volume geometry, or surfaces or volumes of physical objects of interest.

Abstract: A shock compression jet gun with associated explosive charge assembly. The shock compression jet gun features a breech for storage of the explosive charge assembly, a projectile tube, and an expansion nozzle disposed between the breech and projectile tube. The expansion nozzle includes converging and diverging passageways. The explosive charge assembly includes a shock absorbing outer casing, a detonator, a shaped charged positioned within the casing and a compressible medium retained within a recess formed in the shaped charge. The compressible medium is maintained within the recess by way of a membrane sealing one end of the casing. In a preferred embodiment the compressible medium is a liquid such as ammonia, water or a mixture of liquid ammonia and water which dissociate(s) into a mixture of light gases upon detonation of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A shocck compression jet gun with associated explosive charge assembly. The shock compression jet gun features a breech for storage of the explosive charge assembly, a projectile tube, and an expansion nozzle disposed between the breech and projectile tube. The expansion nozzle includes converging and diverging passageways. The explosive charge assembly includes a shock absorbing outer casing, a detonator, a shaped charged positioned within the casing and a compressible medium retained within a recess formed in the shaped charge. The compressible medium is maintained within the recess by way of a membrane sealing one end of the casing. In a preferred embodiment the compressible medium is a liquid such as ammonia, water or a mixture of liquid ammonia and water which dissociate(s) into a mixture of light gases upon detonation of the shaped charge.