THE DAISY DECELERATOR

Abstract
The Daisy Decelerator is a sled-track facility used for biodynamic and equipment impact testing. Since its first operational use in 1955, it has been developed to produce an impact force capability of up to 200,000 lbs (equivalent to 200 G for 1000 lb total weight), a maximum impact velocity of 175 ft/sec, and a maximum displacement during impact of 4 feet. Test sleds are available to carry one to three 250 lb test subjects in a variety of orientations relative to the impact force vector. These sleds are capable of accepting other payloads through simple adaptors. Propulsion of the sled is provided by a pneumatic piston device which accelerates the sled to the desired velocity over a distance of 42 feet. The sled is then released to coast into a waterbrake located further down the track. The waterbrake acts on the sled to provide the required impact test pulse. The water-brake force is controlled by pre-set orifices and can provide a variety of test pulse shapes limited only by the mechanical characteristics of the system. Tests have demonstrated velocity reproduced with a standard deviation of 1.6%, and deceleration reproduced with a standard deviation of 3.5%.

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