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: Apparatus for measuring peel force exerted on optical fiber being pulled m a bobbin upon which it is wound, the pull being in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the truncated-conically-shaped bobbin. One end of an elongaged lever arm holds the bobbin cantilevered from the bobbin end opposite that from which the optical fiber is pulled so that the bobbin is positioned generally horizontally over a horizontal base to which the opposite end of the lever arm is pivotally attached. An intermediate point on the arm beneath the bobbin is in contact with a load measuring device so that as the fiber is pulled any reaction by the arm upon the device provides a measure of the peel force upon the fiber.

Abstract: An air-curtain incinerator for burning energetic materials. Both the volume f air and the angle at which air enters the fire box are remotely controllable. The combustion process is monitored, and the air volume and angle at which air enters the fire box are controlled to minimize the production of air pollutants by the combustion of energetic materials.