MCD Shell Asymmetric Fragmentation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional explosive-filled, fragmentation shells disperse fragments in all directions, posing risks to personnel and materiel in civilian environments and close combat situations, where controlled fragment dispersal towards a target is necessary to minimize collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and design for modifying or producing shells with a rear insert thickening, typically made of combustible materials like aluminum, to retard rearward fragments and ensure forward and lateral dispersal, using pre-programmed detonation and sensors to control the fragment pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fragmentation shells disperse fragments in all directions, then the shells can effectively engage hostile targets, but they pose risks to personnel and materiel in civilian environments and close combat situations
Solution Approach 1:
The shell design introduces asymmetric fragment dispersal characteristics by shaping the shell body and positioning the explosive charge to create a preferred fragmentation direction forward and laterally, while minimizing rearward fragment dispersal. This asymmetric geometry allows the shell to maintain effectiveness against targets while reducing harmful effects to civilians and friendly forces in the rear area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shell are designed with different properties: the forward and lateral portions are optimized for fragment dispersal toward targets, while the rear portion is modified to reduce fragment generation in that direction. This local differentiation of fragment dispersal characteristics allows selective engagement of targets while protecting vulnerable areas.
2Productivity
If fragmentation shells are used in urban environments and close combat, then hostile targets can be engaged, but friendly forces and civilians may be injured by rearward dispersing fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The shell employs asymmetric design features including a shaped forward portion and modified rear structure that direct fragment dispersal forward and laterally while suppressing rearward fragmentation. This allows the shell to be used effectively in close-quarters urban combat without exposing friendly forces to dangerous rearward-flying fragments.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts what would normally be a harmful rearward fragment dispersal pattern into a beneficial forward and lateral dispersal pattern through strategic placement of the explosive charge and shaping of the shell body, thereby protecting friendly forces while maintaining combat effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shells are designed to disperse fragments only forward and laterally, then collateral damage is reduced, but the shell structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than redesigning the entire shell structure, the invention applies localized modifications to specific regions of the shell body and explosive charge positioning. These targeted local changes achieve the desired directional fragment dispersal pattern without requiring complete structural redesign, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell incorporates asymmetric shaping of the body and strategic positioning of the explosive charge to achieve directional fragment dispersal. This asymmetric design, while departing from conventional symmetric shell structures, uses relatively simple geometric modifications rather than complex mechanical systems to control fragment patterns.
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 modified shells significantly reduce rearward fragment dispersal, allowing for safe engagement of targets near civilians and friendly forces by directing fragments forward and laterally, minimizing collateral damage and enabling use in urban environments and close-range combat.
Implementation Method 1
disperse fragments on the pre-programmed detonation of their own explosive
Implementation Method 2
when the shell bursts normally give rise to fragments directed rearwards
Implementation Method 3
thickening of those parts of the body of the shell which would otherwise normally have given rise to fragments directed rearwards
Implementation Method 4
retard fragments in rearward directions formed from the rear part of the shell body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for firing explosive-filled, fragmentation shells (1) that disperse fragments on the pre-programmed detonation of their own explosive (7) so as to reduce the risk of accidental injury to unprotected personnel and damage to materiel, which at the moment of firing are undeservedly situated between the firing weapon and the target. The invention also encompasses shells (1) produced or modified according to said method.