Experimental investigation of ied interrogation arm during normal operation

The paper presents experimental static tests of IED interrogation arm for Shiba special vehicle. The test was performed by Military University of Technology and Military Institute of Engineer Technology. A number of strain gauges and camera markers were placed on the arm to allow recording strains and movements of specific construction points. The arm’s motion was recorded using high speed camera. The equipment used were Vishay EA 06 120LZ 120 strain gauges with ESAM Traveller bridge. The sampling rate was 1000 Hz. The test was to pick up maximum design weight, move it to maximum overhang and then drop it on the ground. During the test, signal from gauges and video capture was recorded. The data was then processed using Thema 3D software to obtain markers displacements and angular changes of both arm parts. Afterwards, the test was repeated for different weight. The analysis showed, that maximum stresses in examined construction parts did not exceed yield stress of material. As well as that, in-depth motion analysis of the arm was conducted. Further works are twofold. Firstly, there will be tests concerning arm under dynamic load occurring during normal maintenance During this test only strains in specific construction parts will be recorded. Secondly, numerical model of an arm will be developed and validated using data obtained during both tests. This will help visualize stress distribution in each arm’s part.