Abstract: A transducer is fixedly positioned within a supporting frame, covered by a shield in underlying relation to an enclosure within which explosion pulses are generated for testing purposes. The explosion pulses are profiled during emergence thereof through an aperture in the shield onto a specimen of cellular protective material to be tested by positioning thereof on the transducer. The enclosure is filled with a fluid media such as water to establish a water column corresponding for example to an underwater environment within which such explosion pulses would be generated. The energy of the profiled explosion pulses, not absorbed within the specimen, is measured through the transducer and recorded as a function of time for evaluation of the explosion protective capability of the specimen material being tested.

Abstract: A typical inventive embodiment describes a tubular shape and comprises a rigid outer layer, an elastomeric middle layer and a rigid inner layer. The elastomeric material is a strain-rate-sensitive polymer (e.g., polyurethane or polyurea) having a Young's modulus of approximately 700-1000 psi at 100% strain, and strong strain-rate-sensitivity in approximately the 103/second-106/second range. By the time that the projectile reaches the rigid inner layer, a projectile that impacts the three-layer system (commencing at the rigid outer layer) is structurally and kinetically diminished in its destructiveness by the rigid outer layer together with the elastomeric middle layer. Furthermore, the elastomeric middle layer becomes more rigid during a brief period in which it absorbs energy from the projectile, then again becomes elastic in a manner formative of a membrane covering the rigid inner layer. The elastomeric membrane tempers leakage if rupturing of the rigid inner layer has occurred.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: An axially elongated cylindrical tool has a protrusion at a lower end thereof which is inserted into a metallic work piece substrate under pressure during rotation of the tool and displacement thereof in one direction. Mixing of a matrix of metal and particles by the protrusion occurs within a stir zone underlying the substrate surface which is thereby treated by dispersion of the particles therein in response to rotation of the tool. Influx of the hard particles into the work piece substrate is effected during said mixing by the rotating tool.