Munition Comprising a Body, an Explosive Charge and Wedging Means Between the Body and the Explosive Charge

Abstract

A munition, such as a missile, a rocket or a projectile, includes a body forming an internal volume and an explosive charge confined in the internal volume. It applies notably, but not exclusively, to munitions of which the explosive charge comprises coated explosive molecules in a polymer binder. The explosive charge substantially conforms to the shape of an internal longitudinal surface of the internal volume, the internal surface being substantially of revolution about an axis and including protruding portions and / or cavities making it possible to keep the explosive charge wedged in the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to foreign French patent application No. FR 0905869, filed on Dec. 4, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a munition, such as a missile, a rocket or a projectile comprising a body forming a casing and an explosive charge confined in the casing. It applies notably, but not exclusively, to munitions of which the explosive charge comprises explosive molecules coated with a polymer binder.BACKGROUND[0003]Currently, explosive munitions are usually charged with an explosive of the type called poured-molten explosive, that is to say an explosive that is poured in the liquid state into the body of the munition and that solidifies while returning to a temperature below its melting point. However, new, safety-related requirements are leading to changing the type of explosive. These requirements are notably imposed by standards...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a munition that has an explosive charge permanently wedged inside it, even at extreme temperatures and stresses during firing. This is achieved without adding any extra parts or manufacturing costs. The technical effect of this is that the munition is more reliable and stable, with a reduced risk of the explosive charge sticking in the casing."

Problems solved by technology

However, new, safety-related requirements are leading to changing the type of explosive.

However, the physical properties of composite explosives raise new problems.

A first problem is due to their coefficient of thermal expansion which is relatively high compared with that of poured-molten explosives.

Since munitions are subjected to considerable variations in temperature, the explosive charge sustains expansions which make it not possible to bond it over the whole internal surface of the body of the munition.

For gyroscopically stabilized munitions, the presence of a clearance involves the creation of an unbalancing mass which changes the trajectory of the munition and reduces its range.

The effect of the unbalancing mass is particularly significant because of the high rotation speed of the munitions.

A second problem associated with the physical properties of composite explosives is their low hardness after polymerization in comparison with that of poured-molten explosives.

This deformation also means a disruption to the flight behavior of the munition.

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