Application of novel quasi-electrostatic sensor arrays for time based data collection and processing of supersonic, subsonic, and transonic revolving projectiles

Abstract

Sensors capable of measuring the quasi-electrostatic field of traveling projectiles have been developed to detect the passage of a bullet in flight. These sensors provide an alternative to existing optical chronograph technologies, which are sensitive to variations in environmental lighting, and magnetic chronographs, which require close proximity to the bullet's path. In contrast, electric field sensors are insensitive to lighting changes and prior testing has demonstrated the ability to reliably detect bullets at distances of at least three meters. A linear array of these sensors has been used to measure the time of flight between the sensors, which with the known distance between the sensors can be used to calculate the projectile's velocity. These velocity measurements are compared to established chronograph technology as a measurement validation. By extending this array of sensors along the projected path of the projectile, a profile of the projectile's position and velocity through flight can be calculated. This expected utility of this data is in refining the calculations that are performed to determine a ballistic solution, particularly in long range engagements, where there has been limited availability of accurate projectile velocity measurements. This robust sensor array that can easily be deployed represents an inexpensive way to experimentally investigate numerous phenomena related to ballistics modeling.