SEDL / STP / STP176-EB / STP47585S

Shock Testing with the Rocket-Powered Pendulum

Hager, R. W.
Project Engineer, Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, N. Mex.

Pages: 7    Published: Jan 1956

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Abstract

To meet ever increasing need for adequate testing of full-scale aircraft and ordnance structures and components, Sandia Corp. has developed the rocket-powered pendulum. This pendulum, which is accelerated by the thrust from a group of 3.5 in. bazooka rocket motors and decelerated by gravity, is capable of simulating certain operational shock loadings on prototype structures and components. Although the present design of the rocket-powered pendulum limits the magnitude and duration of the applied force, good simulation of sustained and water-impact shocks has been obtained on specimens with resonant frequencies above 40 cps.