A Miniaturized RF Acceleration Measuring System

Abstract

This paper will describe the design and development of a miniaturized high-shock package utilizing an FM modulated 19.8 mc transmitter and a piezoresistive accelerometer. This program was initiated in October 1965 for the purpose of measuring deceleration profiles generated by small diameter (1-1/4 inch) vehicles that penetrate targets of known composition with input velocities up to 1500 feet per second. Shock levels were anticipated to be in the 0 - 10,000 g range, with rise times varying as a function of projectile ogives and anticipated to be as fast as 100 μsec. The system was designed to an existing volume described by a right circular cylinder, 1 inch in diameter by 6 inches in length, and an allowable volume of 3/4-inch diameter by 4-inches long was allocated for the 19.8 mc transmitting antenna. The first operational usage of this system was in late January 1966.