Using a Six Ton Pile Driver to Mimic Firing Pressures of Large Caliber Cannon –Softly
Dr. Eric Kathe, Army RDECOM/Benet Labs
Mr. John Keating, Army RDECOM/Benet Labs
Mr. Lawrence Kelley, Army RDECOM/Benet Labs
Dr. Andrew Littlefield, Army RDECOM/Benet Labs

Abstract:

Fatigue life determination of large caliber cannon is experimentally proven using hydraulic pressurization to mimic firing pressures. Often in excess of 100,000 psi, hydraulic simulation of breech assemblies is typically achieved using six-ton vertical pile-drivers to pressurize fluid within a gun chamber assembly. Future site plans require the consolidation of this and several of Benét’s heavy labs within the historic Big Gun Shop of Watervliet Arsenal. To this end, a momentum balanced horizontal system is under consideration to prevent shock coupling to the foundation and facilitate acoustic isolation.

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