Linear Shaped Charge with Segmented Apex Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional linear shaped charge (LSC) designs rely on trial and error and geometric modifications of conical shaped charges, resulting in inefficient penetration and excessive explosive usage.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a tamper with a v-shaped recess and an explosive shaped as an isosceles triangular prism, where the explosive's apex angle is smaller than the recess's, allowing for deeper penetration with less explosive, and optionally forming a star-shaped prism for simultaneous multi-plane jet emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If conventional LSC geometry (extruded hexagon with V-shaped liner) is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but penetration depth is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration depthVSAvoidcharge geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charge is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment having a different apex angle. The forward segment has a smaller apex angle (10-20 degrees) optimized for penetration, while the rear segment has a larger apex angle (30-45 degrees) for stability. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without requiring complex overall geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the charge are given different geometric properties - the forward portion has a narrow apex angle for deep penetration, while the rear portion has a wider apex angle for structural stability. This local differentiation of geometric quality allows simultaneous optimization of both penetration depth and manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Length of stationary object

If more explosive is used to increase penetration depth, then penetration performance improves, but device weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration depthVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apex angle parameter is changed along the length of the charge, creating a gradient from narrow (10-20 degrees) at the forward end to wider (30-45 degrees) at the rear. This parameter variation optimizes the distribution of explosive energy, concentrating it where needed for penetration while reducing total explosive quantity and device weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If smaller apex angle is used to increase jet velocity and penetration, then penetration performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejet velocityVSAvoidapex angle precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The charge is segmented into forward and rear portions with different apex angles. The forward segment uses a smaller apex angle (10-20 degrees) for high jet velocity, while the rear segment uses a larger apex angle (30-45 degrees) that is easier to manufacture with standard precision, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single small apex angle throughout the charge length, the design transitions to a multi-dimensional approach by varying the apex angle along the longitudinal dimension. This creates a gradient structure that balances jet velocity requirements with manufacturing capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration achieves a 10-15% increase in penetration depth with reduced explosive amounts and higher jet velocities, outperforming conventional LSCs by emitting longer jets with faster tip velocities.

Implementation Method 1

The explosive 804 is detonated, resulting in the collapse of the v-shaped liner 806 forming a planar jet emitted towards a target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 2

the liner 806 has been compressed and stretched in accordance with the Monroe Affect due to shock forces caused by detonation of the explosive 804

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 3

the liner 806 has been compressed and stretched in accordance with the Monroe Affect due to shock forces caused by detonation of the explosive 804

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMonroe Effect:

Data Source

PatentUS9702668B2Linear shaped charge
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA LLC
  • US9702668B2 patent drawing
  • US9702668B2 patent drawing
  • US9702668B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Linear shaped charges are described herein. In a general embodiment, the linear shaped charge has an explosive with an elongated arrowhead-shaped profile. The linear shaped charge also has and an elongated v-shaped liner that is inset into a recess of the explosive. Another linear shaped charge includes an explosive that is shaped as a star-shaped prism. Liners are inset into crevices of the explosive, where the explosive acts as a tamper.