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Large Weapons Environmental Noise Characterization –12/31/07

For thisU.S. Army project, BRRC collected data and developed acoustical source models for the 120mm M-1 tank gun, the 105mm Stryker gun, and a variety of C-4 explosives.

Video Click here for 30 mm Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Chain Gun Measurement video.

Background

To avoid negative impacts on testing and training mission capability due to noise, the U.S. Army requires detailed blast pressure field information for its large weapons. The noise software tools used by theDoD to predict and assess impacts of large weapon noise necessitate accurate acoustic source emission models, and these models require detailed input data.BRRC collected this data and developed relevant models.

Approach

BNOISE2 and the RMTK Noise Tool are used by the U.S. Army for noise assessment. These tools operate on models that require measurements of pressure waveform, peak level, and 1/3-octave-band sound exposure levels. BRRC developed a large weapons noise source measurement protocol which can be used to collect free-field representation of the sound source acoustical emission, containing no waveform signal perturbations due to the ground, other reflecting surfaces, or propagation anomalies. To gather this information BRRC erected an intricate network of acoustical sensors around each weapon that captured the weapon’s noise signature, as well as weather conditions, upon firing or detonation. These data were processed and sound models were then developed for each weapon type.

Results

Noise data and models for the 120 mm M-1 tank gun, the 105 mm Stryker gun, and a variety of C-4 explosives were successfully collected and developed. Pressure time histories translated from wave forms were also delivered. U.S. Army installation commanders can now be confident that they have the best noise information possible to accomplish training and testing with minimum impact on the civilian communities surrounding installations.

M1A1 Abams Tank Measurements

M1A1 Abams Tank Measurements

Measurement Layout

Measurement Layout

Measured Muzzle Blast Signature

Measured Muzzle Blast Signature

Third Octive Band Directivity

Third Octive Band Directivity


Sponsor: The Construction and Engineering Research Laboratory - Champaign, IL

Army Corps of Engineers


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