Phys.org August 30, 2019
Having better data at an early stage of development of missile technologies could create opportunities to explore new, innovative ideas by reducing the risk of failure. By analysing HOT SHOT sounding rocket data researchers at Sandia National Laboratory found a way to improve these tests, providing an earlier, more accurate indicator of whether an experimental technology will ultimately succeed in flight. They dressed the insides of sounding rockets with pea-sized instruments that measure vibration which has produced a more complete picture of flight vibrations that is now being used to create more accurate simulations and ground tests. By launching a mock component with sensors and analysing data from it, they could predict the vibration environments pretty much anywhere on that structure…read more.
A HOT SHOT sounding rocket takes off from Sandia National Laboratories’ Kauai Test Facility in Hawaii.