SUPPRESSOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

To execute effective design and development of suppressors, objective metrics are needed to assess performance. Test measurements from a set of commercial models and prototype configurations were reviewed to determine the role of peak pressure and impulse. The relationship between these metrics and the response of the ear, as measured with the DoD’s Auditory Risk Units, is investigated. It is found that the actual pattern of the pressure is key, and the ear response is driven by the low frequency aspects of the signature. The findings suggest metrics useful in assessing designs during the development process.