A blast wave density gauge using beta-radiation

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Abstract
A gauge has been designed to determine the gas density in blast waves by recording the attenuation of β-rays from erbium-169 using a compact detector unit and transistor amplifier. The output signal is transmitted over several thousand feet of coaxial cable and recorded as an f.m. signal on magnetic tape. Voltage and density calibration units are described. The gauge has been used to study blast waves in the 60 to 5 lb in-2 over-pressure region, and some results are presented. The present accuracy of about ±10% may be improved by using a source of greater activity and by strengthening the mounting system to prevent slight changes of the source-detector geometry.