Insensitive Munition Warhead Sub-Critical Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing munitions are prone to unwanted detonation when exposed to hazard stimuli such as fragment or bullet attacks, leading to potential chain reactions and damage to nearby systems, necessitating the development of insensitive munitions that minimize explosive responses.
Innovation Solution
A warhead design featuring multiple portions of high explosive separated by non-detonative material, where each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, requiring simultaneous initiation of all portions to achieve detonation, thereby reducing the likelihood of detonation from single or partial stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-portion high explosive warheads are used, then the explosive power and effectiveness are maximized, but the likelihood of unwanted detonation from hazard stimuli increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high explosive charge is divided into multiple separate portions (at least two), each with a cross section below the critical detonation cross section. The portions are spatially arranged so that their combined cross section exceeds the critical value. This segmentation ensures that a single hazard stimulus cannot detonate the entire charge, as each portion individually is too small to sustain detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-detonative material is placed between the portions of high explosive to prevent detonation propagation from one portion to another. This intermediary material acts as a barrier that blocks the transmission of shock waves and detonation fronts, ensuring that even if one portion is detonated, the others remain protected.
2Reliability
If the cross section of high explosive is reduced below critical detonation cross section, then resistance to single-point initiation improves, but the total explosive power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-critical portions of high explosive are arranged in close proximity with their cross sections combined to exceed the critical detonation cross section. When all portions are simultaneously initiated, their combined energy release produces the required explosive power. The merging of multiple small portions achieves both safety (each portion is sub-critical) and effectiveness (combined cross section is super-critical).
Solution Approach 2:
The detonation process is designed to occur in a specific sequence: first, all portions are simultaneously initiated by a detonator; second, the detonation waves from each portion interact and merge; third, a stable detonation front propagates through the entire charge. This controlled periodic action ensures that the explosive energy is released in a coordinated manner that maintains both safety and effectiveness.
3Reliability
If multiple portions of high explosive are arranged to exceed critical cross section when combined, then simultaneous detonation capability is achieved, but the complexity of warhead design increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the warhead have different properties: the portions of high explosive have specific cross-sectional dimensions below the critical value, while the non-detonative material between them has shock-absorbing properties. This local differentiation of qualities allows the system to achieve controlled detonation behavior without requiring complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The critical parameter is the cross-sectional area of the high explosive portions. By changing this parameter to be below the critical detonation cross section, the portions become insensitive to single-point initiation. The arrangement of multiple such portions with combined cross section exceeding the critical value creates a system that requires simultaneous initiation, thus achieving controlled detonation capability through parameter optimization.
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 design ensures that only simultaneous detonation of all portions leads to a stable detonation, minimizing the risk of unwanted detonation and reducing the severity of responses to hazard stimuli, thereby enhancing IM compliance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material
Implementation Method 2
means for initiating simultaneous detonation of the at least two portions of high explosive
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition (1) comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads (1). In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads (1). There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead (1) comprises at least two portions (3) of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material (8), wherein each portion (3) has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions (3) are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions (3) exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives (3) causes detonation to occur.