Sand impact testing of durable coating on FLIR ZnS relevant to theLANTIRN E-O system window

Ewan M. Waddell, Desmond R. Gibson, J. Meredith

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Measurements of the influence of sand/dust impact erosion on FLIR ZnS, coated with a range of durable coatings, have been made using spectral transmission. This activity has been carried out as part of a program to identify a sand/dust and rain erosion protective coating, for use on the Martin Marietta LANTIRN E-O system front element ZnS/ZnSe laminate window. Assessments have been carried out against MIL STD 810E sand/dust erosion specification, using the Defence Nuclear Agency sand erosion facility. A range of sand particle diameters (< 38 to 177 micrometers ), and velocities 45 to 206 m/s), has been investigated. Three anti- reflective durable coatings have been tested: thorium fluoride, diamond like carbon (DLC -- supplied from three separate vendors), and boron phosphide (BP) overcoated with DLC. BP/DLC showed no significant erosion damage or change in transmission for the range of test conditions, while DLC and ThF4 exhibited significant erosion damage and consequent transmission reduction. A basic theory of solid particle impact is used to model transmission reduction in relation to coating hardness, velocity, and size of impacting sand particles. The concept of `erosion parameter and threshold velocity' is introduced, which provides a means of predicting transmission reduction for a range of sand erosion conditions.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWindow and Dome Technologies and Materials IV
EditorsPaul Klocek
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Number of pages12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Sept 1994
Externally publishedYes
EventSPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging and Instrumentation - San Diego, United States
Duration: 24 Jul 199429 Jul 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
PublisherSPIE
Volume2286

Conference

ConferenceSPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging and Instrumentation
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period24/07/9429/07/94

Keywords

  • Particles
  • Transmittance
  • Solids
  • Optical coatings
  • Forward looking infrared
  • Zinc
  • Boron

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