HYDROSTATIC TESTING OF SHOCK TUBE CYLINDERS.

Four shock tube cylinders were tested hydrostatically by the Air Force Special Weapons Center. Three of the steel cylinders the six port, eight port, and reflection were to be hydrostatically tested to 10,000 psi. The steel area reduction cylinder was to be hydrostatically tested to 2,000 psi. These tests were to determine the structural strength of the cylinders prior to their installation at civil engineering research facility. No visual mechanical failures were detected in the six-port and the eight-port cylinders during the test. The reflection cylinder flanges, flange bolts, and tensile flange weld failed at a hydrostatic pressure of approximately 9,000 psi. The reflection cylinder flanges were replaced, and the cylinder was retested. Although the desired pressure of 10,000 psi was attained, the tension weld on both flanges failed. One of the area reduction seals failed at approximately 1,400 psi and the test was suspended by the AFWL Project Officer. A dye penetrant test of the weld areas revealed numerous cracks. The depth of these cracks could not be determined by nondestructive testing technqiues. Author