Blast Tube System Generating Multiple Shock Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock tube systems are limited to generating single shock waves and cannot replicate multiple shock waves or modify blast wave characteristics such as shape, duration, or peak, making them unsuitable for simulating complex blast conditions like those from enhanced weaponry, which require multiple shock wavefronts for research on injury prediction, treatment, and damage mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A blast tube system with three tubular sections and two diaphragms, allowing for the generation of primary and secondary shockwaves through controlled diaphragm switching, enabling the creation of multiple shock waves and adjustable shock wave timing and characteristics by using interchangeable pipe segments and double diaphragms for precise reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shock tube systems with single or double diaphragms are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the system can only generate single shock waves and cannot replicate multiple shock waves or modify blast wave characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The shock tube is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) separated by multiple diaphragms (first diaphragm, second diaphragm). Each section can be independently pressurized and controlled, allowing sequential rupture of diaphragms to generate multiple distinct shock waves with different characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically controllable diaphragms that can be ruptured in sequence at different times. The timing and pressure levels of each diaphragm rupture can be adjusted to control the timing, strength, and characteristics of each shock wave, enabling dynamic modification of blast wave patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If explosives are used to generate blast waves, then multiple shock waves can be generated, but the system requires complex and sophisticated control systems and is subject to stringent safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces explosive-based shock wave generation with a mechanical/pneumatic system using compressed gas and controllable diaphragms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex explosive safety systems while maintaining the ability to generate multiple shock waves through sequential diaphragm rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure from compressed gas stored in separate sections to rupture diaphragms and generate shock waves. This pneumatic mechanism provides a safer, more controllable alternative to explosives while enabling multiple shock wave generation through sequential pressure release.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current blast tubes are used, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the system lacks the ability to replicate multiple shock waves and modify blast wave characteristics such as shape, duration, or peak
Solution Approach 1:
The shock tube is segmented into multiple independent sections that can be manufactured using standard tubular components. Each section can be assembled and configured independently, making the system relatively easy to manufacture while enabling complex multiple shock wave patterns through the arrangement and pressurization of separate sections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the simulation of multiple shock wavefronts, providing researchers with a better understanding of complex blast effects, facilitating injury prediction, treatment, and damage mitigation methods by replicating various shock wave types and atmospheric conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the higher pressure differential imposed on the second diaphragm bursts it to release the gas
Implementation Method 2
create the shock wave
Implementation Method 3
The gas flowing through the nozzle section is supersonically expanded within the expansion chamber to create a shock wave
Implementation Method 4
create a shock wave which travels down the elongated expansion tube
Implementation Method 5
compressing the air behind the travelling shock wave interface thereby providing both the static and dynamic pressure conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A blast tube includes three portions and three diaphragms. The first portion has a first length and a first cross section. The second portion has a second length and a second cross section. The third portion has a third length and a third cross section. The first diaphragm is disposed between the second portion and the third portion and switches from a closed state to an open state at a first time. The second diaphragm switches from a closed state to an open state at a second time after the first time. The third diaphragm is disposed between the first portion and the second portion and switches from a closed state to an open state at a third time after the second time. The third portion is disposed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm.