Design Considerations and Structural Analysis of the Narrow Channel Facility

The narrow channel (NC) facility design is based on the GALCIT Detonation Tube (GDT) test section design of Mike Kaneshige [3]. The main differences are 1) the design of the longitudinal bolted joint was simplified and 2) the keys for the flanges are not designed to assist with shear loading. The GDT side windows and PLIF window may be used in the NC facility. 304 SS was chosen for its excellent corrosion resistance. The yield strength is 275 MPa. 304 SS is non-magnetic and is therefore more difficult to grind on a table with magnetic locking. All four plates were blanchard ground (using mechanical locking to the table through some of the bolt holes which were drilled before grinding) by a subcontractor for Hales. All pieces were machined by Hales except the initiator, window sealing plates, end flange sealing plates which were made by the Aeroshop. Hales also supplied the material and checked the assembly of the pieces. After delivery from Hales, the internal surfaces of the four channel plates were hand-sanded to a mirror finish.