Photogrammetry captures hundreds of sequential images to create high-fidelity 3D models of objects. Each photo overlaps with the next, allowing specialized software to stitch them together into a detailed, textured point cloud that can be scaled to capture measurements and perform analysis. IS4S primarily employs photogrammetry to generate 3D models of targets before and after testing, specifically to assess damage in ballistic experiments by measuring crater volume. 

Digital image correlation (DIC) is an optical measurement technique used to capture small deformations in objects as they are placed under load. This technique utilizes pairs of cameras that are calibrated together to capture high-speed footage of item deformation in many different applications: material testing and characterization, explosive case displacement, explosive case velocity, explosive case acceleration, etc. IS4S has fielded this method to measure case deformation during explosive events and ballistic events. 

Fiberoptics can support a wide range of applications, including disposable, remote imaging heads. In this approach, a single fiberoptic cable links a high-speed camera to a miniature lens, allowing the imaging head to be positioned in areas that are difficult to access, hazardous, or otherwise unsuitable for a conventional camera. The system can also be expanded to incorporate multiple fibers, enabling the imaging setup to be tailored to the specific needs of each application.

In order to evaluate munitions performance, these items need to be explosively tested and evaluated to capture fragment velocity, fragment breakup, and blast pressure/impulse. IS4S has extensive experience testing and evaluating prototype munitions.

3D scanning utilizes a rotating laser coupled with a camera to generate textured point clouds that accurately represent objects. These point clouds are comprised of anywhere from a handful to thousands of different scans stitched together into a single file. These scans provide both a good visual record of the object and valuable 3D measurement information for further analysis. IS4S has captured and analyzed thousands of scans including of arena testing and shipping vessels used in munitions testing.  

Munitions are primarily characterized by their fragmentation performance. Optical fragment tracking is a relatively new technology that utilizes two cameras calibrated to each other to track fragments in 3D space. Optical fragment tracking captures fragment position with time, fragment velocity with time, and estimated fragment velocity. 

Our team performs lethality, vulnerability, and survivability (LVS) analyses for end-to-end weapon system development. We complete effectiveness modeling and simulation (M&S) of weapon-target engagements to evaluate both weapon lethality and target vulnerability and/or survivability. We can analyze warheads, from miniature to large class weapon systems, using various lethality tools against vetted targets. These are used to develop top-level pictures comparing the effectiveness of developmental warhead performance against a representative target set.

From small munitions to large warheads, IS4S brings extensive experience in ballistic testing. IS4S is capable of capturing flight characteristics, target deformation, deceleration loads, and other critical metrics needed to evaluate projectile performance.