Force, pressure and strain measurements for traditional heavy mortar launch cycle

Summary. The measurement applications of pressure, forces and strains for traditional heavy mortar launch cycle are presented. Especially the processing method of measured strain data for launch loading determination is discussed. The chamber pressure estimates calculated from measured tube strains are evaluated and the pressure calculation method including compensation of thermal stress proved to be relevant for the case of traditional mortar launch cycle. The transversal component of socket force proved to be insignificant compared to the axial force component. The ground base type had negligible effect on measured socket forces and on extreme base plate strains in this study.