Improving post-test data reduction and analysis for dynamic drop testing of store models

Dynamic Drop testing is a method of trajectory simulation whereby store models which are both geometrically and dynamically scaled are released in the wind tunnel air stream. The resulting trajectories are then mapped photographically onto film. Drop testing is often necessary when captive trajectory testing is not feasible or for final trajectory verification prior to actual flight tests (Allee, 1980). During drops, data are acquired by means of high-speed motion picture cameras mounted in the test section. Data acquisition is controlled by a sequencer which is programmed to automatically actuate the lighting and cameras and to release the stores at the proper time intervals. Once the film is obtained, it is analyzed manually post-test by the use of a machine called the film-reader. Each frame of the film is projected onto a screen from which reference points are input into an interactive program which stores the data into a file. The data are then processed through software which will store the coordinates into data files. The files are then transferred to a working directory where additional software is executed to validate the data and to finally achieve full-scale trajectory data. The current method of achieving final data is time consuming and often a concern of the users. In this study, the complete process was examined and inefficiencies described. This process was streamlined and improved. Since most of the software was outdated, the post-test analysis software was selected as the area of improvement. The improvements cover two phases. The first phase covers conversion from the Amdahl Computer System to the Facility Computer System VAX 8650. The second phase consists of creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for these processes. Other areas with inefficiencies or possible improvement have been listed and suggested as a future project.