EN 16263-1:2015, Pyrotechnic articles — Other pyrotechnic articles — Part 1: Terminology EN 16263-2:2015, Pyrotechnic articles — Other pyrotechnic articles — Part 2: Requirements EN 162
General
Any equivalent apparatus with the same accuracy or better may be used.
Test area
General
The test area shall be unobstructed, non-flammable and suitable for the accurate measurement of the required parameters
The test sample should be placed in the centre of the test area, as shown in the labelled instruction The manufacturers supplied or recommended equipment shall be used.
Indoor
The test area shall be indoors
The test area shall be in an enclosed space, which is capable of limiting the movement of air A means of extracting fumes shall be provided where necessary.
Outdoor
The test area shall be an outdoor site If applicable, provisions shall be made at the centre of the test area for partially burying into the ground
If applicable, insert support pole in the centre of the test area
Before starting the function test start the measurement of the wind speed with a wind speed meter (4.7) and continue measuring during the whole function test
A means of measuring the wind speed at a height of 1,5 m above the ground shall be provided If applicable, no performance testing shall be carried out if the wind speed exceeds 5,0 m/s.
Timing device
Timing device, capable of being read to the nearest 0,1 s.
Calliper
Calliper, flat faced vernier calliper reading to 0,1 mm (conforming to EN ISO 13385-1 and EN ISO 13385-2).
Ruler
Measuring tape
Measuring tape, reading to 10 mm.
Wind speed meter
Wind speed meter capable of measuring to an accuracy of at least 0,5 m/s.
Balance
Temperature chamber
The temperature chamber(s) shall comply with the following specifications:
— up to 75 °C or 1,25 times the maximum use temperature of the test samples in degrees Celsius (if higher than 60 °C);
— when required, down to 10 °C lower than the minimum use temperature of the test samples;
— when required, capability of developing the highest level of humidity specified by the manufacturer
The temperature tolerance for the specified requirements is ± 2.5 °C Testing can be conducted using a single temperature chamber or multiple chambers, each capable of providing one or more of the required conditions.
Sound level meter
Sound level meter of class 1 of EN 61672-1 with free-field microphone.
Shock apparatus
The apparatus is designed to achieve a deceleration of 490 m/s² (with a tolerance of -50/+100 m/s²) at the center of an unloaded platform Additionally, the duration of the mechanical conditioning impulse, which is the time from the start of the machine's deceleration to when it reaches its maximum value during the initial shock pulse, is specified to be 2 ms ± 1 ms, operating at a frequency of 1 Hz ± 0.1 Hz.
An example of an apparatus is shown in Annex A.
Drop-test apparatus
The drop test apparatus shall comply with the following specifications:
— ground plate with a thickness greater than 10 mm of steel
An example of an apparatus is shown in Annex B.
Goniometer
Devices for measuring of effect height
The devices shall be capable of measuring horizontal and/or vertical angles:
Devices for measuring thrust
Either of the following apparatus shall be used for the measurement of thrust:
The accuracy of these gauges shall be determined as a function of levels of thrusts to be measured and the tolerances given by the manufacturer.
Abrasive sheet
Abrasive sheet, large enough to permit striking of the ignition head, conforming to ISO 21948, grit P240 conforming to ISO 6344-3.
Witness screen
For the assessment of fragments according to 5.15.2.2, the following equipment shall be used:
— sturdy square based frame: length: 1 m; width: 1 m; height: 0,5 m, or alternatively a sturdy cylindrical frame: radius 0,5 m, height 0,5 m;
The witness screen material, with a penetration threshold energy of 5 J, should consist of polycarbonate foils that are 0.5 mm thick It is essential that the lateral surfaces of the robust base are completely covered with this witness screen material Additionally, the constructed box must feature an opening at the bottom, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1 — Square based frame covered with witness screen material
An alternative test set-up is given in Figure 2
Figure 2 — Alternative test set-up: cylindrical frame covered with witness screen material
For the assessment of fragments according to 5.15.2.3, the following equipment shall be used:
— witness screen material: threshold energy of penetration 5 J (e.g specific foils of polycarbonate with a thickness of 0,5 mm);
Transparent type size sheet
Transparent sheet with the characters shown in Figure 3 printed on it in 2,8 mm and 2,1 mm text Height of text determined by height of capital X in each case.
High speed video equipment
High speed video camera with suitable speed and resolution adapted to the expected size and speed of the foreseen fragments.
Further test apparatus
Other test apparatus than those listed in 4.1 to 4.19 are:
— strain gauge or piezoelectric type of load cell (see 5.11.1);
— drop hammer for impact sensitivity testing (see 5.13.1.3.1);
General
Any equivalent method with the same sensitivity and the same accuracy or better may be used.
Construction
Outer dimension of item
Using the ruler (see 4.5), measure and record the outer dimensions of the item(s).
Determination of calibre
Using the calliper (see 4.4), measure and record the calibre of the item(s).
Determination of gross mass
Using the balance (4.8.1), measure and record the gross mass of the item(s).
Design verification
General
This test shall be done for type testing to verify that the tested item is in accordance with the requirements of
Conformity to drawings and part lists
The tested item must conform to the applicable manufacturing drawing, which should detail all relevant components, including their dimensions, mass, and form (such as loose powder, granules, pellets, or consolidated grains) of each pyrotechnic composition, along with the proportions of its constituents.
Observe and record any non-conformity.
Pyrotechnic composition — Determination of net explosive content
Separate any pyrotechnic units and count them
Mass of pyrotechnic composition Weigh to the nearest Using the balance
Weigh the pyrotechnic composition not contained in pyrotechnic unit(s) Record the mass
If applicable, remove the pyrotechnic composition from each pyrotechnic unit, and weigh each portion Record the mass of each portion
When safe dismantling is not possible, alternative procedures may be applied.
Angle of ascent and height of effects
General
This test method is suitable for articles fired vertically or at an angle of ± 15° from the vertical For other scenarios, the testing approach will be based on the article's performance.
Apparatus
— Universal surveying instrument = USI (for instance theodolite) or comparable instruments (4.14)
— Test area (4.2) for the launching of the article
— A mounting rack, which can be used to fix hand-held articles, might be needed.
Procedure
Firing must occur strictly in a vertical direction, specifically at an angle of 90° ± 2° from the ground in the test area Additionally, measurements should only be conducted when wind velocity is below a specified threshold.
For accurate height measurement, a suitable device should measure two angles simultaneously: the elevation angle (ranging from 0° to 90° in 1° increments) and the horizontal angle (from 0° to 360° in 1° increments) Heights can be measured using methods outlined in Annex C, as equivalent systems are permitted.
For pyrotechnic units projected beyond 30 meters or those that are self-propelling, two measuring positions are required; otherwise, one measuring point suffices When two measuring points are used, both vertical and horizontal angles must be recorded, while at least the vertical angle should be noted if only one measuring point is necessary.
To ensure accurate measurements, the distance between the firing point and the measurement location, known as the base length, must be adjusted according to the measurement device The vertical angle should ideally be set between 30° and 60°, with 45° being optimal If the monitoring positions are not aligned horizontally with the article, necessary corrections should be applied to the height calculations Additionally, the measuring distance should be tailored to the expected height of ascent of the article.
To effectively monitor the height of ascent and angle of flight, two positions should be established at a measured distance apart Depending on the measurement method, these positions can be set at a 90° angle to each other, as outlined in Method 2 of Annex C, or at an appropriate angle that ensures the validity of the measurements, as described in Method 1 of Annex C.
Measurement of sound pressure level
Apparatus
A sound level meter (4.10) and a measuring tape (4.6) are needed.
Procedure
Position the sound level meter's microphone (4.10) in the designated test area (refer to 4.2) at a safe firing distance or a specified distance from the primary effect point, ensuring it is set at a height of 1 meter.
Record the maximum C-weighted peak or maximum A-weighted impulse sound pressure levels as measured by the sound level meter (4.10).
Timing measurement
Apparatus
Procedure
Remove any protection of the ignition device and ignite it in accordance with the instructions for use
To initiate the process, apply the ignition source to the ignition device while simultaneously starting the timing device (4.3) Stop the timing device as soon as the article begins to function, and record the ignition time in seconds.
To determine the burning rate, use a timing device to measure the burning time of the sample Divide the explosive content in grams by the measured time in seconds to calculate the burning rate Record the result in grams per second (g/s).
Apparatus
The following apparatus shall be used:
Procedure
The number of articles to be submitted to mechanical conditioning is given in EN 16263-2:2015, 8.2.1, Table 1
To conduct a mechanical shock test, first, place a sheet of paper on the apparatus's platform and position the test samples on it For items in primary packaging, ensure you have the correct number of unopened packs Securely cover the samples or packs and attach them to the platform's edges Finally, operate the machine for one hour to complete the test.
After the conditioning period, halt the machine and extract the test samples or primary packs For samples conditioned in primary packs, gently open the packs, take out the samples, and pour any loose material onto a sheet of paper Isolate the pyrotechnic composition from the loose material and weigh it using a balance.
Record the mass of loose pyrotechnic composition
If applicable, verify and record whether the test samples and primary pack exhibit any visible damage and the safety features are still in the safe position
For the articles equipped with visible safety features, the safe position shall be verified after the mechanical conditioning by visual examination.
Mechanical impact test (Drop test)
Apparatus
General
The drop test is performed with the number of articles in accordance with EN 16263-2, unless a “positive result” as defined in EN 16263-2:2015, 5.4 is obtained
If no “positive result” is observed, the articles might still be needed after the test for further testing as described in EN 16263-2:2015, 5.4.
Procedure
The article shall be fixed to a suitable release mechanism (see Annex B for details) and shall be placed at a height of 1,2 m above the metal plate
The article will be initially positioned to freely fall along its primary geometrical axis of symmetry during the first test In the subsequent test, a new article will be oriented perpendicularly Following tests will alternate the positioning between these two orientations.
Record any “positive result” as given in EN 16263-2:2015, 5.4
For the articles equipped with visible safety features, the safe position shall be verified after the mechanical impact test, by visual examination.
Thermal conditioning
Apparatus
Procedure
Place the items in a temperature chamber at 75 °C ± 2,5°C for 48 h or at 50 °C ± 2,5 °C for 28 days (within the primary pack if any)
At the end of the thermal conditioning, verify and record any ignition, degradation or mass changes (emission of gas, cracks or expansion of compacted compositions, migration of chemicals, etc.)
Place the items or primary packs (where applicable) in a temperature chamber at a temperature 1,25 times the maximum use temperature as specified by the manufacturer for 48 h
At the end of the thermal conditioning, verify and record any ignition, degradation or mass changes (emission of gas, cracks or expansion of compacted compositions, migration of chemicals, etc.)
Place the items or primary packs (where applicable) in a temperature chamber at a temperature 10°C lower than the minimum use temperature as specified by the manufacturer for 48 h
At the end of the thermal conditioning, verify and record any ignition, degradation or mass changes (emission of gas, cracks or expansion of compacted compositions, migration of chemicals, etc.)
5.9.2.4 Verification of the 'use by' date
According to EN 16263-2:2015, section 5.1, manufacturers must prove the proper functioning of their products by the 'use by' date This is achieved by extending the thermal conditioning test as outlined in sections 5.9.2.1 or 5.9.2.2, using a duration determined through accelerated aging methods specified in Annex D.
Function test
General
The test area (4.2.2 or 4.2.3) shall be chosen according to the expected performance of the article It shall be clean and free from debris etc from former tests.
Apparatus
Where appropriate, the following apparatus shall be used for the function test:
— video high speed recording equipment (4.19);
— visual delineation of the hazard zone as defined by the manufacturer in the instructions for use or calculated from performance data according to specialist knowledge;
— the ancillary device(s) and/or firing equipment which are specified by the manufacturer;
— other measuring equipment which is needed to check the performance of the tested articles and which can be indicated by the manufacturer (e.g sound level meter (4.10) for sound emitters).
Procedure
When fragments are to be observed at the firing point (see EN 16263-3:2015, 6.2.3.7), 5.15 shall be applied in combination with the present procedure
Follow the manufacturer's labeled instructions to place and ignite the test sample For vertically fired articles, measure the main effect height according to section 5.4 whenever possible.
— the nature of the principal effect and effect parameters (duration, spatial extension, ignition time (5.6.2.1));
— whether all pyrotechnic units function completely;
— the article's motion from the testing point and the distance of motion from the testing point;
— the generation of fragments from the article; if any
— other performance parameters which are specified by the manufacturer (e.g sound pressure level (5.5) for sound emitters);
— the burning time and, where appropriate, the thermal flow rate during the maximum exposure time specified by the manufacturer
When required the test sample shall be placed in a temperature chamber for 24 h at the maximum use temperature specified by the manufacturer before the function test according to 5.10.3.1
Articles should be taken out of extreme temperature storage no more than 2 minutes prior to testing For larger and heavier items, this time frame may be extended based on the testing bodies' experience.
When required the test sample shall be placed in a temperature chamber for 24 h at the minimum use temperature specified by the manufacturer before the function test according to 5.10.3.1
Articles should be taken out of extreme temperature storage no more than 2 minutes prior to testing For larger and heavier items, this time frame may be extended based on the testing bodies' experience.
For the articles equipped with integral safety features, the safe position shall be verified after each of the following tests: mechanical conditioning (5.7), mechanical impact test (5.8) and electrostatic discharge test (5.13.1.2)
When safety features are not apparent, it is essential to verify the safe position by initiating the tested items through the functioning of the pyrotechnic train prior to activating the safety features This process may necessitate specific preparations based on the ignition methods of the tested items Additionally, it is important to document any initiation of the main charge or pyrotechnic train that occurs after the safety features have been engaged.
Measurement of thrust
Apparatus
A strain gauge or a piezoelectric type of load cell (4.20) and a timing device (4.3) are needed.
Procedure
Testing of the rocket motor shall be performed to confirm that the rocket motor is within the manufacturer’s defined tolerances
The peak thrust, the thrust impulse and burn time shall be measured and recorded.
Resistance to ignition by an abrasive surface
Apparatus
Procedure
Strike the friction head of the test sample in the test area (see 4.2) on the rough surface of the abrasive sheet Record whether the friction head ignites.
Further tests
Sensitiveness of pyrotechnic composition
This test is essential for situations where users may come into contact with unprotected pyrotechnic compositions or when these compositions are likely to be exposed during standard handling or usage conditions.
The ESD test circuit is illustrated by Figure 4 hereunder
Figure 4 — ESD test circuit 5.13.1.2.2 Procedure
Six tests with a recommended volume of 10 mm 3 of the pyrotechnic composition per test shall be used
After stabilization at room temperature, discharge 25 000 V from a 660 pF capacitor or 20 000 V from a
A 1,000 pF capacitor connected to a 5,000 Ω resistor was tested with a "pin-to-case" configuration, where the conductive electrode made contact with the bare pyrotechnic composition If no ignition or explosion occurred during six tests with a discharge of 200 mJ, the sample is deemed to have a sensitivity greater than 200 mJ.
For the articles equipped with visible safety features, the safe position shall be verified after the electrostatic discharge test, by visual examination
The general design of the impact test apparatus is illustrated by Figure 5
Six tests shall be carried out on samples of the pyrotechnic composition
Each test sample must consist of 20 mm³ of loose pyrotechnic composition or be shaped as a pellet of pressed pyrotechnic composition, ideally measuring 4 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height.
After stabilization at room temperature:
To conduct the test, position the pyrotechnic composition on the anvil of the apparatus Next, place a weight \( M \) (in kg) at a height \( h \) (in m) above the pyrotechnic article, ensuring that the product \( M \times g \times h \) (where \( g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)) equals 8 J.
— release the weight and record the result
If during six consecutive tests with impact energy of 8 J no ignition or explosion occurred, the sample is regarded to have a sensitivity of more than 8 J
NOTE More detailed information can be found in EN 13631–4
The general principle to be applied to the friction test apparatus is illustrated by Figure 6
A sample of pyrotechnic composition is placed on a porcelain plate (25 mm (length) × 25 mm (width) × 5 mm (height), roughness 9 μm – 32 μm) which can be given a linear to-and-fro motion
A porcelain pin (15 mm (length) × 10 mm (diameter), roughness 9 μm – 32 μm) exerts a force F on the sample of pyrotechnic composition
Six tests with a volume of 10 mm 3 of the pyrotechnic composition per test shall be carried out
Each test sample will be spread on the porcelain plate in the shape of a thin strip 15 mm long and 3 mm wide (leading to a thickness of 0,40 mm ± 0,05 mm)
After stabilization at room temperature:
— place the first sample on the porcelain plate, then apply the porcelain pin on it with an applied force of
— start the motion of the plate and record the result
If during six tests with a force of 80 N no ignition or explosion occurred the sample is regarded to have a friction sensitivity of more than 80 N
NOTE More detailed information can be found in EN 13631–3.
External temperature of hand-held pyrotechnic articles
After stabilization at room temperature, fix the temperature sensors:
— one at the upper end;
— and one at the lower end; of the hand-held part of the pyrotechnic article
Record the temperature profile by using the data logger after initiation.
Measuring of labelling
Apparatus
Procedure
Using the calliper or the transparent type size sheet, record whether the type sizes are correct and the printing is legible (see EN 16263-5).
Measuring of the energy of fragments
Apparatus
Procedure
If the safe firing distance is less than or equal to 0,5 m, method A shall only be used
For safe firing distances exceeding 0.5 m, method B should be employed unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise For smaller items, test method A may be initially used, followed by method B if method A yields a positive result.
Position the pyrotechnic article on a sturdy surface, such as a concrete plate Ensure that the witness screen, with its opening facing downward, is centered above the pyrotechnic article, maintaining a minimum distance of approximately 0.5 meters from the sides of the witness screen to the pyrotechnic article.
After the ignition and operation of the pyrotechnic device, it is essential to inspect the witness screen material for any visible damage from fragments A complete penetration of the witness screen indicates a "positive" result, signifying that the energy of the fragments exceeds 5 J.
If no penetrations are detected, the energy of the fragments shall be considered less than 5 J
To ensure safety during the use of pyrotechnic articles, they must be positioned on a sturdy surface, such as a concrete plate Additionally, four distinct frames, tightly covered with witness screen material, should be strategically placed at a safe firing distance around the centered pyrotechnic article, as illustrated in Figure 7.
After the ignition and operation of the pyrotechnic device, it is essential to inspect the witness screen material for any visible damage caused by fragments A complete penetration of the witness screen indicates a "positive" result, signifying that the energy of the fragments exceeds 5 J at a safe firing distance.
If no penetrations are detected, the energy of the fragments at the safe firing distance shall be considered as less than 5 J
Key a safe firing distance b witness screens: length: 2 m; width: 2 m c pyrotechnic article
Figure 7 — Setup for additional tests if the safe firing distance is greater than 0,5 m
Water immersion test
Apparatus
Means to provide constant water cover above the tested article (e.g a bucket).
Procedure
The samples shall be visually inspected and any anomaly noted before subjecting them to the test
Samples must be horizontally immersed for a minimum of 48 hours in 0.5 meters of water Following this immersion, the samples should undergo the function test as specified in section 5.10, within 2 hours of being removed from the water.
The shock apparatus features a flat horizontal steel platform measuring 800 mm x 600 mm and 2 mm to 3 mm thick, equipped with a 3 mm thick rim that stands 15 mm high Additionally, the platform is reinforced by eight steel ribs, each 5 mm thick.
The platform assembly consists of several key components: a welded structure made of 30 mm material extending from the center to the corners and edges, a 20 mm thick fibreboard plate securely fastened with screws, and a cylindrical steel boss measuring 125 mm in diameter and 35 mm in height positioned at the center Additionally, it includes a 284 mm long shaft with a diameter of 20 mm fixed to the boss, along with a restraining peg to prevent rotation The total mass of the platform assembly, comprising these elements, is 23 kg ± 1 kg, and it features an annular elastomer pressure spring with a specified Shore A hardness.
The article discusses the specifications of a cylindrical boss resting on a shallow steel cylinder, adhering to EN ISO 868 standards The cylindrical boss has an outside diameter of 125 mm, an inside diameter of 27 mm, and a height of 32 mm The steel cup features an inside diameter of 126 mm, a wall thickness of 5 mm, and an outside height that is not specified.
The assembly consists of a shallow cylinder measuring 30 mm in height and featuring an 8 mm thick base with a 25 mm diameter hole for the elastomer spring It is secured to a supporting steel cylinder with an outer diameter of 80 mm, an inner diameter of 60.1 mm, and a height of 92.4 mm Inside this supporting cylinder is a PVC liner, which has an outer diameter of 60 mm, an inner diameter of 20.2 mm, and is also 92.4 mm tall, attached by a screw A steel mounting plate, 12 mm thick with a central 25 mm hole, is affixed to the supporting steel cylinder The assembly is anchored by a steel base plate of the same thickness, with four supporting pillars, each 260 mm tall and 32 mm in diameter, connecting the mounting plate to the base plate A framework is included to elevate the base plate to a convenient height Additionally, an adjustable attachment to the shaft features a cam wheel with a 30 mm outer diameter and an 8 mm wide contact surface, along with a cylindrical cam that has an outer diameter of 120 mm, an inner diameter of 100 mm, and a wall thickness of 10 mm.
The system features a vertical drop of 50.0 mm between the high and low points, allowing for the use of differently shaped cams with the same drop height It includes an electric motor with appropriate gearing to rotate the cam at a frequency of 1 Hz Additionally, a 100 mm thick cellular rubber sheet is utilized, which must have an apparent density of 35 kg/m³ as per EN ISO 845 and an indentation hardness of 215 N according to EN ISO 2439.
Figure A.1 — Detail of top section of mechanical shock apparatus
Figure A.2 — General assembly of mechanical shock apparatus
Figure A.3 — Detail of shaft attachment and cam assembly of mechanical shock apparatus
Drop test (Mechanical impact test)
An example of typical apparatus which may be used is illustrated in Figure B.1 (other equivalent technical solutions may be used)
Figure B.1 — Overview of impact test apparatus
The metal plate should be placed on a hard soil, e.g a concrete slab, and its thickness should be greater than
The release device shall neither deliver an initial linear and/or rotation velocity to the article nor modify its fall from the vertical
Video recordings are essential for verifying the accuracy of an article's fall and for gaining comprehensive insights into its behavior during and after contact with a metal plate.
Procedures for calculation of heights
The following methods may be used for the calculation of heights: a) Method 1
This procedure allows performing measurements with equipment that is not located at the same height as the firing point and at 90° to each other
Firing takes place only in vertical direction (90° from the horizontal plane at the place of firing) and measurements should only take place with a wind velocity of less than 5 m/s
Measurement requires two locations – T 1 and T 2 – which should be preferably, but not necessarily, located at 90° to each other with respect to the firing point (see Figure C.1)
For accurate height measurement, it is essential to use a device capable of measuring two angles simultaneously: the elevation angles α₁ and α₂ (ranging from 0° to 90° in 1° increments) and the azimuth angles β₁ and β₂ (from 0° to 180° in 1° increments) These measurements should be taken from two observation points, T₁ and T₂, to determine the bursting point B, or the maximum point of effect, of the pyrotechnic article.
Differences in height of the measurement locations T 1 and T 2 shall be taken into account, corresponding to h 1 and h 2 in Figure B.1
The effect height (or rising height) H is determined from the angles α 1 and α 2, β 1 and β 2, and the horizontal distance D 1,2 between T 1 and T 2 through the following formulae:
These formulas eliminate the need to know the distances between the two measurement locations, T1 and T2, from the firing point O, as well as their angle relative to each other from this point.
P 0 horizontal plane passing through the firing point O
P 1 horizontal plane passing through the measurement location T 1
P 2 horizontal plane passing through the measurement location T 2 h 1, h 2 heights of the measurement locations T 1 and T 2 from plane P 0 respectively, measured and recorded by the suitable equipment located at points T 1 and T2
O’ vertical projection of the bursting point B (or maximum point of effect) of the pyrotechnic article on plane P 0
The horizontal distance between points T1 and T2 is denoted as D1,2 The elevation angles of the bursting point B, or the maximum point of effect of the pyrotechnic article, are represented as α1 and α2, and these angles are measured and recorded using appropriate equipment at T1 and T2 Additionally, the azimuth angles of the bursting point B are indicated as β1 and β2, which are also measured and documented by the suitable equipment located at T1 and T2.
H effect height to be calculated from D 1,2, h 1 and h 2, α 1 and α 2, β 1 and β 2
Figure C.1 — Measurement set-up for aerial effects
The vertical angle should not exceed 60°; optimal would be angles between 40° and 50°
Measurement of the horizontal distance D 1,2 should take place with an accuracy of at least ± 1 % of the distance b) Method 2
Suitable equipment for height measurement is any kind of regular device for measuring two angles at the same time, specifically the vertical angle (0 - 90°, 1° steps) and the horizontal angle (0 - 360°, 1° steps)
Measurement requires two locations which should be preferably located at 90° to each other with respect to the firing point (see Figure C.2)
When using a USI (see 5.10) both angles, the vertical and the horizontal angle, shall be measured Differences in height of the measurement locations shall be taken into account
The calculated heights from vertical planes (h1, h2) are determined using the horizontal distance (b) between the measuring points and the firing point Additionally, the measured elevation angles (α1, α2) and azimuth angles (β1, β2) of the bursting point or maximum point of effect are essential for accurate assessments This analysis involves both vertical and horizontal planes to ensure precision in measurements.
Figure C.2 — Measurement set-up for aerial effects
For a vertical trajectory where the horizontal angles are within ± 2°, the effect height and rising height, \( h \), can be calculated using the vertical angles \( \alpha_1 \) and \( \alpha_2 \), along with the base length \( b \), which is the distance from the firing point to the measurement location, using the appropriate formula.
With this formula it is possible to calculate the heights independently for each measurement location, this making it possible to use different base lengths Both values are averaged
For a non-vertical trajectory the actual height is calculated according to the following formulae:
The angles β 1 and β 2 are the horizontal angles
The effect height can be calculated as follows:
To ensure accurate measurements, the distance between the firing point and the measurement location, known as the base length, must be properly adjusted to the measurement device It is crucial that the vertical angle remains below 60°, with the ideal range being between 40° and 50° For instance, if a rising height of 300 m is anticipated, a minimum base length of 175 m should be selected.
Measurement of the base length should take place with an accuracy of at least ± 1 % of the distance
Determination of the duration of accelerated ageing test to demonstrate the correct functioning at the 'use by' date
Thermal conditioning as outlined in section 5.9.2 is essential for successful functioning tests Articles intended for use after extended storage at a specified temperature of T LS ± 5.0 °C, or those stored for over two days at or above the maximum use temperature T UM, must undergo additional thermal conditioning.
Store the articles in a climatic chamber at a temperature of 75 °C ± 2.5 °C or 1.25 times the maximum use temperature ± 2.5 °C for N days After this period, maintain the articles at 20 °C ± 5.0 °C for at least one day prior to testing as specified in section 5.10.
When a manufacturer has designed or described an article as being suitable for use in humid conditions, the climatic chamber is maintained at 95 % relative humidity (RH)
N (in days) is calculated by use of the following formula:
365 25 , LS ( , LS UM ) 30 LU ( UM )
H LS = specified life span in storage (in years);
H LU = specified life span at the maximum use temperature (in months);
T LS = long storage temperature (in °C);
T UM = maximum use temperature (in °C); and