surveillance and proof m7 slide 1. definitions service life: the overall life span storage life:...
TRANSCRIPT
Definitions
Service Life: The overall life span Storage Life: The life in specified storage
conditions (part of service life) Stability: Properties affecting safety Surveillance: Systematic method of evaluating
properties and performance Proof: A type of surveillance, specifically
functional testing or live firing
MA7 Slide 2
Purpose
Only way to establish safety and stability
Allows assessment of the ammunition• Safety• Reliability• Operational effectiveness
May permit extensions to the shelf life
MA7 Slide 3
Purpose
Safety and stability in storage Safety, reliability and performance during use Monitor environmental conditions Detect failure modes before the user is
affected Predictions to support procurement plan Extend the in-service life in an informed way
MA7 Slide 4
Physical Examples:
• Energetic materials:• De-bonding between explosive and inert surfaces• Stabiliser depletion within the energetic material
• Electronics:• Component ageing• Component shock damage
• Structure:• O-ring failure• Mechanical damage (impact, corrosion)
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Chemical Factors:
• High temperatures • Large variations in temperature • Low temperatures• High or low humidity• Vibration• Shock• Pressure
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Baseline Data
A baseline (or benchmark):• Manufacturer’s test results and proof results• Explosive safety assessment data• Accelerated aging tests• Component fatigue tests• Measurement against known norms• Test results from other nations• Explosive Hazard Data Sheets• Compatibility data
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In Service Proof
Examples:
• Guns: Tests on muzzle velocity, range, accuracy• Grenades: Tests on delay time • Pyrotechnics: Tests on burning time
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Chemical Stability of Explosives
Good performance at proof ≠ chemical stability
Chemical stability needs to be monitored as well
Proof and surveillance are both required
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Chemical Stability of Propellants
Accelerated aging:
• Physical tests• eg Abel Heat Test, Methyl Violet, NATO 65.5ºC
• Chemical Tests• Eg High Performance Liquid Chromatography,
In the final stages of decomposition, some
propellants can give off BROWN FUMES of
nitrogen dioxide. This is an EXTREME situation
and indicates that auto-ignition is imminent
and that a FIRE COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME.
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In Service Stability Surveillance Systems
•System components:
• An effective ammunition management plan• Trained and experienced technical staff• A capable explosives laboratory• Effective sampling mechanisms• An efficient ammunition accounting system• National Authority responsibility, planning and
direction
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In Service Stability Surveillance Systems
Known details:Selection for testing:
• Age• Harsh climate condition• Length of time stored
out of depots• Unusual performance• Transported lots• Existing test results
Unknown details:Selection for testing:
• High temperature• Age• Unknown origin• Unknown composition• Suspect deterioration• Unusual characteristics
MA7 Slide 17
In Service Stability Surveillance Systems
Date of manufacture Batch or lot number Nomenclature (technical name) Form in which the explosive is held Quantity held Due date of next stability test Type of stability test required The current storage location of the explosive
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