Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

An important metrological task is to ensure the traceability of ballistic measurements within the cope of the Proof Testing Act (Beschussgesetz – BeschG) to the national standards by means of special calibration an test devices. These new measurement devices have been specially developed for security-relevant dynamic measurands occurring above all upon firing. For user safety, the gas pressure up to 600 MPa at a very low rising time (of up to around 20 µs) and short pulse duration (of up to about 3 ms) as well as the bullet velocity (up to 1200 m/s) are tested as substantial measurands. 

Due to their dangerousness, and in order to avoid their possible misuse, certain types of firearms as well as powder-actuated technical equipment (predominantly shooting tools as, for example, bolt-firing tools, tools for line throwing, deactivating, and cutting of cables) must be subjected to approval tests before they are released for manufacture an trade. This is an important task which has been assigned to PTB by the State under the Proof Testing Act. In particular it must be checked whether the equipment fulfils the technical requirements prescribed by the legislator.

Fields of work

• Dynamic calibrations of piezoelectric pressure transducers
• Development of calibration equipment for piezoelectric pressure transducers
• Dissemination of the unit of pressure for dynamic gas pressure measurements
• Type approvals for alarm weapons and shooting tools according to the German Proof Testing Act (BeschG – Sections 7 and 8) and in accordance with international rules an regulations
• Gas pressure measurements on ammunition
• Determination of the velocity of bullets, testing of velocity measurements devices
• Short-term photography in exterior ballistics
• Monitoring of the energy limits prescribed for weapons by legislation
• Testing of body-protection material
• Research and development aimed at increasing the efficiency an effectiveness of ballistic measurement an test procedures
• Participation in the Permanent International Commission for the Proofarms (C.I.P.) and in the respective working groups
• Advisory service to the Proof Houses and cooperation with these in the performance of measurements an tests
• Receiving of notifications within the meaning of Section 9 of the Proof Testing Act (BeschG) and Section 24 of the Weapons Act (WaffG)
• Collaboration in the German Beschussrat (committee if experts dealing with technical questions on firearms and ammunition)
• Advisory service rendered to the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) with Regard to laws an regulations on arms