Evaluation of calibration methods of piezoelectric transducers for transient pressure measurement in ballistics tests

The internal pressure generated by the combustion of the propellant in small-caliber ammunition is a significant topic within the defense sector, playing a vital role in both weapon development and ammunition certification. Piezoelectric transducers are utilized to measure the transient pressure curve during internal ballistics, a critical step in enhancing pressure measurement methods for ammunition testing. The accurate calibration of these transducers is essential to ensure the reliability of such measurements. This study examined two calibration techniques: Indirect Dynamic Calibration and Indirect Quasi-static Calibration. To carry out the analysis, three piezoelectric transducers were calibrated using both methods. The results underscored the need for refinements in the second method, particularly in addressing operator influence and resolving issues related to equipment, such as the presence of air in the hydraulic system, leakage, and drift in the measurement system. The findings also revealed multiple sources of uncertainty in both techniques, emphasizing the necessity for adjustments to minimize factors that compromise measurement accuracy.