Testing Machines : Hurricane Simulators

Cyclic Wind Test Fixture

Chant Engineering Model 9743 -CWT Cyclic Wind Test Fixture is used to simulate cyclic wind loads. The Chant Cyclic Wind Fixture uses a vacuum on a specimen to simulate a wind load. Detail of Exterior Vacuum Pumps and Valves The specimen can be any type of building item used in any type of construction. Typically the hurricane tests are done on windows and doors, but any item can be tested.

The vacuum on a specimen is increased to a set value then vented to atmosphere to simulate one wind load cycle. The charging of a vacuum and venting to atmosphere is repeated numerous times for repetitive loading. The Chant Cyclic Wind Test Fixture has the capability to run up to 5,000 cycles non-stop.

The Chant Cyclic Wind Test Fixture consists of a mounting fixture, support frame, vacuum pump skid, pressure gauges, a pressure transducer, control valves, and a computer control data acquisition system.

Local Operator Controls Reaction Wall

Large Missile Impacter

The Chant Engineering Model 8915-LMI Large Missile Impacter is used to simulate exposure to fenestration at low building elevations. The Large Missile Impacter is used to test impact resistance on samples to determine their ability to resist damage from flying debris.

The Chant Model No. 8915 -LMI Large Missile Impacter uses compressed air as a propellant to launch (1) 8 ½ ft long 2" X 4" lumber at speeds up to 52 ft/s at a 10" diameter target. Model 8915-LMI Large Missile Impacter The Large Missile Impacter consists of a 4-inch diameter x 12 ft long barrel, support frame, an integral air storage chamber, an air pressure regulator, pressure gauges, an electric trigger valve, velocity sensors, and velocity meter.

The barrel is constructed from smooth bore steel tubing. The air storage chamber is welded to the barrel to minimize air restriction. A steel frame supports the barrel and air chamber at a convenient height for the operator. Sensors for measuring missile velocity are mounted along the barrel length at a 2-ft spacing. The sensors are connected to a digital meter to display the missile velocity. The operator can adjust missile velocity by varying the air pressure with the regulator valve. By increasing the air pressure in the chamber the operator can obtain a higher missile velocity. The chamber pressure is displayed on a pressure gauge. The launching pressure of the barrel is calculated to be approximately 5 psi using a 10 lb. missile with an exit velocity of 52 ft/sec. The air chamber pressure is considerably higher due to its larger volume. The operator controls the firing of the Impacter from a single control console. The console consists of a chamber pressure regulator, pressure gauge, a protected firing switch, and a velocity meter.

Small Missile Impacter

The Chant Engineering Model 8915-SMI Small Missile Impacter is used to simulate exposure to fenestration at high building elevations. The simulation tests impact resistance on samples to determine their ability to resist damage from flying debris.

The Chant Model No. 8915-SMI Small Missile Impacter uses compressed air as a propellant to launch (10 ea.) 2 gram steel balls at speeds up to 132 ft/s at a 2-ft2 target. The Chant Small Missile Impacter consists of a 1-inch diameter x 4 ft long barrel, support frame, an integral air storage chamber, an air pressure regulator, pressure gauges, an electric trigger valve, velocity sensors, and a velocity meter.

The air storage chamber is welded to the barrel to minimize air restriction. A steel frame supports the barrel and air chamber at a convenient height for the operator. An adjustment at the front of the gun allows for adjustment of the barrel pitch. Sensors for measuring missile velocity are mounted at the end of the barrel on a 2-inch spacing. The sensors are connected to the digital meter to display the missile velocity. The operator can adjust missile velocity by varying the air pressure with the regulator valve. By increasing the air pressure in the chamber the operator can obtain a higher missile velocity. The operating pressure for this Impacter ranges from 10 to 12 psi (132 ft/sec). A pressure gauge on the breech will display the chamber pressure.

The operator controls the firing of the Impacter from the integral control console. The console consists of a charge button, a protected firing switch, and a velocity meter.

Custom capacities are available for any machine; contact sales@chantengineering.com for more information.