Cost-Effective Gas Flow Data Sensors

Current high energy, multi-room test facilities operated in support of Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) efforts suffer from a lack of robust sensors that can provide a cost-effective approach to obtaining dynamic pressure induced gas flows during internal detonations events. Exquadrum, Inc proposes a new sensor package that utilizes existing piezoelectric sensor technologies, but incorporates new “clean sheet” design methodologies for the sensor housing and sensor ports in order to focus on producing an extremely cost-effective design. Exquadrum’s successfully demonstrated Phase I 1D prototype sensor will be extended under the Phase II to capture both gas flow velocity and direction. Empirical data shows that tested sensor can survive the detonation event, yet maintain the fidelity required to capture gas flow data in the slower flow field. The Phase II program will test the new 2D sensor in a shock tube facility using a chemical detonation and at a government facility to obtain the most relevant environment possible.