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US ARMY AMRDEC FRAGMENT SCANNING SYSTEM|
PROJECT FACT SHEET
OBJECTIVE
A scanning system to determine location and size of metal fragments embedded
in a medium density fiber panel.
BACKGROUND
As part of its many scientific efforts, the Weapons Integration and Development
Directorate (WDI) of the US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development,
and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) performs a variety of explosive and warhead
research and development activities. When testing explosive charges, a typical
method of recording fragmentation parameters uses stacks of fiber panels
(bundles) placed around the charge. Upon detonation, fragments embed
themselves in the bundles at various depths and orientation. The bundles are
then disassembled layer by layer. Each layer is then searched by hand for
fragments with a rare earth magnet. The X/Y position of the fragment is then
measured and recorded, and the fragment is removed from the bundle, identified,
bagged, and tagged. The fragments are later cleaned and weighed. The sheet
from which the fragment was removed is used as a measurement of depth of
penetration. The key measurement criteria are: position, depth, and mass of the
fragment. The process takes many hours of repetitive labor that could potentially
be automated.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Army is looking for a device or method for quickly producing the required
output data. The top surface of the sheet will not be completely smooth, as
fragments and spalling will interrupt the flat surface. The fragments may be
highly irregular (non-spherical), and they may or may not be securely embedded.
Some may be loose and can fall out easily. There may be as many as 96 sheets
in a bundle, and at any one time only 3 can be lifted together. Data derived from
the analysis of the fragments should be in a spreadsheet format, with the
fragment designation, count, sheet number, location, and size/weight.
Fragments are typically steel, but some tests use titanium or aluminum. It would
be beneficial to be able to locate and identify these metals as well. The desired
threshold parameters are described below.
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THRESHOLD PARAMETERS
-X/Y resolution of .5”
-Minimum fragment weight of .25g
-Maximum time per person per sheet of 15min.
PRODUCT PARAMETERS
The scanner can be developed as a purely hardware solution or
hardware/software solution. Fragment testing is performed in remote
areas in the firing range for personnel safety. So, mobility is required for
the scanning system. The system must be hosted on a portable device
(tablet, laptop, etc.). Windows and Android operating systems are
allowable for software development. No Apple operating systems or
products are allowed. No Bluetooth connectivity is allowed. WiFi can be
used, but fragmentation tests are normally performed in areas of weak
reception, or areas with blackout restrictions on transmissions. USB thumb
drives are not permitted per US Army security regulations. Data can be
migrated between the system and any US Army data networks for
additional analysis. Acceptable data migration techniques are: optical
storage (CD, DVD, etc.), SATA, e-SATA, or Firewire. USB external drives
can be used to backup data only.
DELIVERABLES
Prototype Fragment Scanning System
Full Instruction Manual
Quick-Start Guide
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Bundle Samples
Fragment Samples
Professional Machine Shop Facilities
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PROJECT SPONSOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Patrick G. Taylor, Ph.D.
Electrical Engineer
Director – WDI Electric Propulsion Laboratory
Propulsion Technology Function
U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command
Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center
RDMR-WDP-P
Bldg. 7120, Redstone Road
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898
Office: 256-842-3031
Mobile: 256-698-4519
Fax:
256-876-9443
E-mail: patrick.g.taylor@us.army.mil
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