Heat-Shrink Tamp for Explosives Reduces Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tamps used for explosive materials are either fragile and ineffective at containing explosions or create fragmentation hazards, and they do not provide adequate support in managing fire or maintaining the explosive effect on the target.
Innovation Solution
A tamp formed from heat-shrink material, sealed on both ends to hold a tamping substance, which helps contain and direct the explosive force, using heat-shrink tubing or sheeting that can withstand high temperatures and pressures, reducing fragmentation and maintaining the explosive effect for a longer duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional tamps made from thin clear polyolefin/polyurethane plastic material or hard ABS plastic are used, then the tamp effect is created by weight and volume, but the material creates fragmentation or projectile hazards during explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional rigid plastics to flexible heat-shrink material, fundamentally altering how the tamp functions. The heat-shrink material provides the necessary tamp effect through its ability to conform and contain explosive material, while the flexible nature prevents rigid fragmentation during detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining heat-shrink material with various tamp substances (water, gel, sand, etc.), creating a composite tamp system that achieves both the necessary tamp effect and eliminates fragmentation hazards through the flexible outer material.
2Strength
If conventional solid or stiff materials are used for tamps, then the material stands up to heat and pressure effects, but the material creates projectile hazards and does not stay on the explosion long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the material from rigid and stiff to flexible and elastic. The heat-shrink material maintains sufficient strength to withstand explosion conditions while its elastic properties allow it to remain compliant and attached to the explosive material throughout the entire detonation process, eliminating the projectile hazard.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If medical IV bags made of highly elastic polyolefin are used as tamps, then the material does not create fragmentation hazard, but the material cannot hold up to the effects of explosion and is fragile and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the material parameters of the heat-shrink material to provide both the necessary flexibility to prevent fragmentation and the strength to withstand explosion effects. The heat-shrink material is specifically selected and configured to maintain structural integrity during detonation while remaining flexible enough to eliminate projectile hazards.
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
The heat-shrink tamp effectively contains and directs explosive gases, reduces fragmentation hazards, and minimizes the amount of explosive material needed, providing increased efficiency and safety by maintaining the explosive effect on the target for a longer period.
Implementation Method 1
A first end of the heat-shrink material is heated-shrunk closed to create a bag shape
Implementation Method 2
heat-shrink material having its ends heat-shrunk closed holding a tamp substance therein
Implementation Method 3
which helps contain and direct the explosive force, using heat-shrink tubing or sheeting that can withstand high temperatures and pressures
Data Source
AI summary
This description relates to a tamp for an explosive. The tamp is formed from heat-shrink material having its ends heat-shrunk closed holding a tamp substance therein. A length of heat-shrink material is provided. A first end of the heat-shrink material is heated-shrunk closed to create a bag shape. A tamp substance is inserted into the bag via a second end of the heat-shrink material. The second end of the heat-shrink material is heat-shrunk closed to create a tamp. The tamp is placed adjacent to an explosive. This description also relates to a sleeve for an explosive. The sleeve is formed from heat-shrink material. An explosive is placed in the sleeve. One or both ends of the sleeve may be heat-shrunk closed.