Abstract: Example coil guns and methods of using coil guns are described herein. An example coil gun includes a first pancake module; a second pancake module, where the first pancake module and the second pancake module are each formed of a winding with an inner superconducting material layer and an outer ordinary conductor layer, where the first pancake module and the second pancake module are physically and/or inductively coupled to propagate a quench of a superconducting state of the first pancake module to the second pancake module.

Abstract: A method for monitoring generation of dust in a self-contained breathing apparatus involves performing a preliminary empirical compilation of databases related to an amount of dust that results from vibrations and/or mechanical impacts; determining a total empirical amplitude value; registering vibrations and/or mechanical impacts on a self-contained breathing apparatus under actual operating conditions; comparing a total breathing apparatus amplitude value with the total empirical amplitude value; generating a signal of inoperability when the dust content value exceeds a preset maximum allowable value. A monitoring device comprises a three-axis accelerometer and microcontroller configured to convert acceleration vectors into the total breathing apparatus amplitude value and compare this value the total empirical amplitude value. The device generates a signal of inoperability when the dust content value exceeds the preset maximum allowable value.

Abstract: A magnetic apparatus and related method and energy product-by-process to motivate linear or rotational motion, comprising: at least one magnet ring tier comprising a ring of a plurality of permanent magnets; a central core comprising a permanent magnet projectile movement channel, an axis of the channel aligned in a direction normal to a geometric plane defined by the magnet ring, and running through a geometric center of the magnet ring; and each of the permanent magnets mounted in the ring at a mount angle thereof, with the components of their polar alignments parallel to the central core all oriented in the same direction; wherein: if the polar alignment of a permanent magnet projectile was introduced with a particular duality-dependent orientation into the permanent magnet projectile movement channel, the magnetic forces between the ring magnets and the projectile would be capable of motivating the permanent magnet projectile relative to the channel.

Abstract: An output member for a Direct Impact Hopkinson pressure bar includes an elongate tube portion and a disc-shaped cap portion. The tube portion has a first end and an opposite second end, while the cap portion includes a first face and an opposite second face. A circular stub protrudes from a center of the first face, and a circular cavity is formed in the second face. Each of the stub and the cavity is concentric with the cap portion, with a diameter of the cavity being greater than a diameter of the stub. The second face of the cap portion is positioned in intimate contact with the first end of the tube portion, with the cap portion being concentric with the tube portion.

Abstract: A muzzle exit tester system comprises a barrel having an input end and an exit end, a shock plunger freely movable within the barrel, and a shock plate having a first side that faces the exit end of the barrel. A support isolation structure resiliently supports the shock plate, and receives a portion of the barrel that includes the exit end of the barrel. A pneumatic shock apparatus is operatively coupled to the input end of the barrel. The pneumatic shock apparatus is configured to retract the plunger in the barrel via a vacuum while producing a gas pressure charge, and subsequently release the gas pressure charge, such that the plunger accelerates to the exit end of the barrel and impacts the shock plate. The shock plate is configured to resonate at frequencies and amplitudes corresponding to a shock condition of a gun muzzle exit when impacted by the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention is typically embodied as a method for studying ballistic resistance of one or more steel materials. A projectile is caused to strike groups of steel samples made of the same steel material, and the ballistic limit V50 of each steel material is determined. Prior to the V50 testing, a sample of each steel material is metallographically imaged so as to reveal austenitic bodies therein. The austenitic volume fraction of a sample of each steel material is measured via VSM at least once prior to the V50 testing and at least once subsequent to the V50 testing. Subsequent to the V50 testing, a microhardness distribution is mapped characterizing a sample of each steel material in the vicinity of the ballistic crater. The empirical results are assessed in light of the inventively discovered mechanism of plasticity of the steel that is ballistically induced in relation to austenite-to-martensite transformation.

Abstract: The method includes dispensing an object at a portion of concrete, determining an impact time of the object on the portion of concrete, detecting at least one acoustic wave reflected from the portion of concrete, filtering the at least one acoustic wave, and identifying a defect in the portion of concrete based on the filtering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating sound bullets are described. Such sound bullets are created by controlling and/or redirecting highly nonlinear acoustic waves or pulses propagating through an array of actuators. The controlling and/or redirecting of the acoustic waves or pulses is achieved though methods such as applying pre-compressive forces to the array of actuators or by selection of size, shape and/or material of the actuators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the reproduction of an impact event of a projectile, with any ratio of energy and impulse, wherein a feed rate of an impress element is controlled by taking account of an alteration in velocity that is proportional to the quotient of a resistance force and a freely selected projectile mass; also disclosed is a device for the execution of the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the breakage properties of a particulate material, the apparatus including: a support; a rotor mounted relative to the support and including at least one guide channel through which a particle of the particulate material is guided in use, the guide channel having an inlet and an outlet; a drive associated with the rotor; a feed channel for feeding particles of the particulate material to the inlet of the guide channel; a stator associated with the rotor and including an impact surface that is radially spaced from a circumferential edge of the rotor; and a collector for collecting pieces of the particulate material following impact; wherein the apparatus is provided with a control system for accurate control and adjustment of impact velocity of the particulate material with the impact surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing the fragmentation of a body following impact with a surface, particularly the fragmentation of a bird following impact with part of an intake of a gas turbine engine, comprises a gun, a target plate, a soft recovery plate across which the body's trajectory can be tracked, and a soft recovery system, characterized in that damage to the body is caused substantially only by the impact on the target plate.

Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of determining an instantaneous speed of an arrow, includes determining a time-of-flight of the arrow; determining a distance between a location from which the arrow is loosed and a location of a target-face; providing, with an apparatus included in the arrow, data from at least a portion of a free flight of the arrow; and determining the instantaneous speed of the arrow for at least one point of the free-flight by employing each of: a) the time-of-flight; b) the distance; and c) at least some of the data provided by the apparatus.

Abstract: An impact testing system for determining the shock response of a test structure includes a mass (e.g., a spherical steel ball) and a potential energy storage system (e.g., a spring-loaded mechanism) configured to store mechanical energy and, upon actuation, release the stored mechanical energy in the form of kinetic energy. A hold-and-release mechanism (such as a permanent magnet) is configured to releasably couple the mass to the potential energy storage system and impart linear momentum to the mass in connection with the kinetic energy such that the mass impinges upon the test structure. The shock response can then be determined and displayed to a user.

Abstract: A method for crash testing a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method provides a crash test routine where an inflatable restraint is deployed using a single deployment pattern throughout at least one government regulation zone. This helps to prevent overlap of a transition zone and can help make the deployment of the inflatable restraint more predictable. This can increase occupant safety and simply testing.

Abstract: A projection device is configured by connecting a projectile supporting part to a spring supporting frame with multiple coil springs. The projectile supporting part is pulled while deforming the coil springs; a projectile is projected by accelerating the projectile supporting part, supporting the projectile, with restoring forces of the coil springs; and the projectile is collided with a test piece supported by the test piece supporting base. Thereby, it is possible to check a state of collision of the projectile with the test piece or how the test piece is damaged thereby. Since the projectile is projected with the restoring forces of the deformed coil springs, the collision test apparatus is simple and compact in structure, low-cost, and easy-to-handle in comparison with projection of a projectile with compressed air.

Abstract: An air cannon apparatus and system for test launching golf balls. The apparatus includes a barrel sized to slidably receive a golf ball, an air pressure tank coupled to the barrel by an air control valve, a golf ball air clamp assembly for holding a golf ball for rotation about a spin axis within and transverse to the barrel, and a servomotor coupled to the air clamp assembly for controlledly spinning the golf ball prior to launching. The air control valve releases a charge of pressurized air from the air pressure tank into the barrel against the spinning golf ball simultaneous with releasing the clamp whereupon the golf ball is launched from the barrel. The system also includes a frame assembly for lockable positioning of the apparatus at a selected inclination angle and a system controller. The apparatus is selectively rotatable to vary the angular orientation of the spin axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the impact of an ultra-high velocity projectile includes: a projectile; at least one optical fiber attached to at least a first area of the projectile; a light source coupled to the optical fiber supplying light into the optical fiber; and a monitor coupled to optical fiber configured to monitor the light in one optical fiber and positioned in a second area of the projectile. A method for operating a circuit in response to a shockwave of ultra-high velocity, includes the steps of deploying at least one optical fiber in a first area in the path of an ultra-high velocity shockwave; coupling a light source to the optical fiber, the light source supplying a light into the optical fiber; and deploying a monitor coupled to the optical fiber to: monitor the light in the optical fiber to detect a change in the light; and positioned in a second area further along the path of the shockwave.

Abstract: An impact testing system for determining the shock response of a test structure includes a mass (e.g., a spherical steel ball) and a potential energy storage system (e.g., a spring-loaded mechanism) configured to store mechanical energy and, upon actuation, release the stored mechanical energy in the form of kinetic energy. A hold-and-release mechanism (such as a permanent magnet) is configured to releasably couple the mass to the potential energy storage system and impart linear momentum to the mass in connection with the kinetic energy such that the mass impinges upon the test structure. The shock response can then be determined and displayed to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterising the fragmentation of a body following impact with a surface, particularly the fragmentation of a bird following impact with part of an intake of a gas turbine engine, comprises a gun, a target plate, a soft recovery plate across which the body's trajectory can be tracked, and a soft recovery system, characterised in that damage to the body is caused substantially only by the impact on the target plate.

Abstract: An artificial bird projectile is provided for simulating bird strike events. The projectile has a solid foam phase and a gel or liquid phase. The gel or liquid phase is supported by the foam phase. The projectile may be suitable for simulating bird strike events on aero gas turbine engines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and inspecting composite structures to discover inconsistencies by the force and displacement caused by extension of a stylus driven against the composite structure a fixed distance. The measurement of the force on the stylus and the deflection is made from the exterior surface of the composite structure, which eliminates the need to remove interior panels for inspection.

Abstract: A projection device is configured by connecting a projectile supporting part to a spring supporting frame with multiple coil springs. The projectile supporting part is pulled while deforming the coil springs; a projectile is projected by accelerating the projectile supporting part, supporting the projectile, with restoring forces of the coil springs; and the projectile is collided with a test piece supported by the test piece supporting base. Thereby, it is possible to check a state of collision of the projectile with the test piece or how the test piece is damaged thereby. Since the projectile is projected with the restoring forces of the deformed coil springs, the collision test apparatus is simple and compact in structure, low-cost, and easy-to-handle in comparison with projection of a projectile with compressed air.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of insulation comprises the steps of: contacting a top surface of a portion of the layer of insulation, compressing the portion of the layer of insulation until a predetermined compressive load is achieved, measuring a distance through which the top surface is moved during the compressing step, and determining the thickness of the layer of insulation based on the measured distance. Apparatus is provided for performing the method.

Abstract: An instrument (“artificial athlete”) for characterizing, from the biomechanical standpoint, a treading surface, such as natural grass cover or synthetic grass flooring, is configured for: dropping a weight from a given height on the surface, producing the conversion of kinetic energy of falling of the weight into deformation energy of the surface, the deformation energy being able to be restored by the surface to the weight, bringing about its return/bouncing back upwards; and detecting at least one parameter representing the process of restitution of the deformation energy by the surface to the weight, the parameter identifying the characteristics of tread of the surface.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A process for early detection of reactor fouling occurring during a gas phase polymerization of olefin(s) using a fluidized bed reactor having a fluidization grid fitted with detection devices.

Abstract: A system for imparting and detecting mechanical energy includes a projectile and a hollow tube allowing the projectile to move therein. A portion of the projectile is allowed to emerge from one end of the tube and thereby transfer mechanical energy to a receiving entity, e.g., a wound roll of material. An actuator drives the projectile through the tube, and a first sensor detects when the protruding portion of the projectile extends from the tube to make contact with, for example, the core of the wound roll to start a timing sequence. A second sensor detects the arrival of the mechanical energy at, for example, the roll surface so that a comparison can be made between the start and end times.