Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division Research Articles

Particle temperature measurements in closed chamber detonations using thermoluminescence from Li2B4O7:Ag,Cu, MgB4O7:Dy,Li and CaSO4:Ce,Tb

The present work describes the procedures and results from the first temperature measurements in closed chamber detonations obtained using the thermoluminescence (TL) of particles specifically developed for temperature sensing. Li2B4O7:Ag,Cu (LBO), MgB4O7:Dy,Li (MBO) and CaSO4:Ce,Tb (CSO) were tested separately in a total of 12 independent detonations using a closed detonation chamber at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NSWC IHEODTD). Detonations were carried out using two different explosives: a high temperature plastic bonded explosive (HPBX) and a low temperature plastic bonded explosive (LPBX). The LPBX and HPBX charges produced temperatures experienced by the TL particles to be between ~550–670K and ~700–780K, respectively, depending on the shot. The measured temperatures were reproducible and typically higher than the thermocouple temperatures. These tests demonstrate the survivability of the TL materials and the ability to obtain temperature estimates in realistic conditions, indicating that TL may represent a reliable way of estimating the temperature experienced by free-flowing particles inside an opaque post-detonation fireball.

Time domain beamforming ASIC for a handheld bistatic imaging sonar system

A high-resolution, handheld imaging sonar system has been developed by Teratech Corporation for the U.S. Navy. This is a 192-channel, dual-frequency bistatic sonar for Navy divers performing search and survey missions for underwater explosives. The goal is to provide the most compact and energy-efficient imaging system for the divers. The low power and small volume are a result of the development of Teratech’s Charge Domain Processing (CDP) technology. This technology has led to the development of a low-power 64-channel beamformer chip. As a result, only three beamformer chips are needed for the 192-element array. Until now, implementation of small, low-power sonar systems containing this many elements and forming enough beams to create an image was considered impossible. Test results and acoustic images obtained in Teratech’s acoustic test tank will be presented. [Work sponsored by ONR and OSD Small Business Innovative Research Program, Program Manager, Mr. Bruce Johnson, Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division.]

Development of a handheld bistatic imaging sonar system for underwater search and survey

A high resolution, handheld imaging sonar system is under development by Teratech Corporation for the U.S. Navy. This is a 192 channel, dual frequency bistatic sonar for Navy divers performing search and survey missions for underwater explosives. Our goal is to provide the most compact and energy efficient imaging system for the divers. The system consists of a self-contained handheld unit and a head mounted display integrated into the divers mask. The low power and small volume are a result of the development of Teratechs Charge Domain Processing (CDP) technology. This technology has led to the development of a low power 64-channel beamformer chip. As a result, only three beamformer chips will be required for the 192 channels. Until now, the implementation of small, low power sonar systems containing this many elements and forming enough beams to create an image was considered impossible. Progress in the development of this product will be presented. In-water testing is planned for late summer 2003. Experimental results and test images available will be presented at the conference. [Work sponsored by ONR and OSD Small Business Innovative Research Program, Program manager, Mr. Bruce Johnson, Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division.]