Abstract: A flywheel tensile testing apparatus for viscoelastic materials is used for high-rate tensile testing to determine the mechanical properties such as the initial modulus, the stress-strain characteristics, energy at break, and void formation of energetic materials such as solid propellants and plastic bonded explosives under deformation rates in excess of 20,000 inches per minute. The tensile tester is comprised of a plurality of support trestles which are mounted on a common base. A flywheel and a light weight engagement wheel are mounted for rotation on the support trestles. A clutch and rotor assembly is located between the flywheel and the light weight engagement wheel so that when the clutch is engaged, the stored energy of the flywheel is transferred to a rotor assembly which in turn drives the light weight engagement wheel. The flywheel is driven by a variable speed motor. The activation of the clutch and rotor assembly are preferably performed in response to an electronic signal.

Abstract: The oscillations found to occur in the cavities of an structural frame moving through a fluid are substantially eliminated by the adoption of perturbation elements located at the leading edge of the cavity and reflecting any remaining oscillations out of the cavity at the trailing edge. The perturbation elements may take the form of multiple pins of various shape and geometrical arrangement which prevents the generation and growth of vortices causing acoustic oscillations. The reflection of remaining oscillations out of the cavity may be accomplished by ramping the trailing edge of the cavity.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a controlled fragmentation warhead case by mbedding an expanded metal liner on the interior surface of a casing for a warhead or other ordnance device. The process of embedding an expanded metal liner into the casing during the forming of the casing produces a controlled fragmentation grid on the interior surface of the casing. The improved method of producing a controlled fragmentation warhead case is particularly suitable for weapon systems employing large, unitary warheads.

Abstract: An optic fiber payout test system and apparatus is disclosed which is adad for simulating the payout of fiber at high speeds. This optic fiber payout test apparatus is comprised of a projectile, a source of fiber attached to the projectile, and a pneumatic propulsion system to propel the projectile and initiate the payout of the fiber. The fiber payout test apparatus further comprises a projectile track system as well as a braking system which allows the projectile to be used safely within a laboratory environment. The optic fiber payout test apparatus also provides a means for testing the payout of fiber optic cable in a manner that simulates the high rate of speed and high accelerations encountered during free flight. This capability is important for the development of launched fiber optic guided weapons systems and in particular, air launched optic guided weapons systems.

Abstract: An aerodynamic fin and stowable jet vane system preferably for rocket motor issile applications to control roll, pitch, and yaw, in either the aerodynamic or thrust flight control conditions, has a retractable and stowable aerodynamic vane integrated with a stowable thrust vector reaction steering system on a common support. The integrated aerodynamic fins and thrust vector control reduce the overall missile mainframe dimensions and are mounted on a single, space saving support.

Abstract: An integrated roll control and power supply system for a missile includes a pair of flywheel-motor-generator (FMG) units, a pair of power flow control (PFC) units coupled between the FMG units and a missile load, and a roll sensor coupled to the PFC units. The integrated system also includes a pair of resistance heaters and a pair of clutch-brake devices. The FMG units are axially aligned and displaced from one another. One FMG unit operates in a counterclockwise direction, while the other FMG unit operates in a clockwise direction. The two FMG units produce the bi-directional roll torque characteristic necessary to develop roll-dampening torques for the missile system roll control autopilot.

Abstract: An integral pressure sensor for a pressurized vessel, including a housing, a core element, a seal and a spring. This combination is disposed on the interior of the pressurized vessel. The core element is preferably a magnetic element or a steel ball which moves in the housing under the effect of the vessel pressure, and the chamber or housing pressure. The spring and seal combination together with the core element, function to trap a specified volume of the pressurized medium in the chamber when the vessel is initially pressurized. When the pressurized vessel leaks, the trapped pressure within the chamber exceeds the vessel pressure thereby causing the core element to move. The position or presence of the core element is detected using a detecting device such as a Hall-effect device or another magnetic device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a regulated drag area parachute for decelerating manned ejection seat or an ejectable capsule at a low altitude from an aircraft or other air vehicle. This parachute comprises a canopy composed of two portions, suspension lines, and a means for controlling the inflation of the canopy so that the two portions of the canopy inflate independently from one another. This means for controlling the inflation of the canopy provides a manner to regulate the rate of inflation of the lower portion of the canopy. Thus, the invention allows the top, or apex portion of the canopy, to inflate rapidly while the remaining portion of the canopy can be inflated subsequently and in a controlled manner so that the effective drag area of the canopy can be regulated during the deployment of the parachute.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a generic Drone Control System or alternatively method to remotely pilot an air vehicle. The present invention essentially comprises a converted aircraft or other air vehicle and a ground station from where the drone is remotely controlled. Also disclosed as part of the Drone Control System are a plurality of means to transfer information and data between the ground station and the drone.

Abstract: A compact metal bellows preferably for converting pressure changes into lar motion, has alternating inner and outer welds accomplished by a laser weld technique. An inner weld fixture is provided for deflecting a portion of the bellows away from the very small beam spot of the laser weld process.The compact metallic bellows of the present invention is particularly adapted for fitting into a small space and taking advantage of its equal free length and solid length to provide a spring force equal the sum of the spring force of each of the several metallic diaphragms.

Abstract: An electro-rheological fluid damped actuator having an actuator housing w a moveable element such as a piston and rod assembly disposed within the housing. The actuator further comprises a hydraulic circuit with an electro-rheological fluid disposed in the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit and rheological fluid provides an active and variable damping force on the moveable element. The damping force is controlled by the output of an electrical circuit which creates an electric field within the hydraulic circuit. The electric field will cause the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid which is exposed to the electric field to increase or decrease in accordance with the magnitude of the electric field. The increase in viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid as it flows through the actuator provides an active damping force on the actuator which allows a more precise control of the output motions of the actuator.