Bomb sensor system

Abstract

The system is a remotely operated, autonomous multi-channel time history recording device which uses digital and computer technologies to detect, record and display the results of tests that are time varying dependent. It is particularly suited to monitoring the effects of exploding warheads. By placing a series of piezoelectric detectors in an exploding shock wave field, it is possible to ascertain the wavefront propagation. A dynamic peak detector is used is used with each piezoelectric detector to detect the exact peak of the unknown pulse which peak defines the 'time-of-arrival' of the pulse. By controlling the system with a computer program it is possible to display the complete time history of the propagating shock wave. When the exploding device is detonated a counter increments in 100 ns steps with its output on a timing bus. As each piezoelectric detector/peak detector circuit senses the wavefront its respective channel is triggered and the associated data register extracts the time from the timing bus. By linking a computer to the Bomb Sensor System recorded data is available for review within 12.8 seconds after completion of the test. All test results are stored in the memory unit and is transferred to the host computer. Running the computer software program then displays the complete time history of the propagating shock wave. This empirical data when compared to a theoretical analysis reveals any anomalies or validates the test.