Insensitive Munitions Detonator Using Microwave Sensitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current initiation and booster systems for explosive devices, particularly those with large failure diameter main charges, lack sufficient safety and insensitivity, posing risks of unintended initiation and detonation.

Innovation Solution

A detonator system that employs a large output explosive charge with sensitivity characteristics meeting Insensitive Munitions criteria, utilizing microwave energy to temporarily or permanently increase sensitivity only at the point of use, minimizing vulnerability and preventing unauthorized detonation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large normal sensitivity booster charge is used to initiate large failure diameter explosives, then the initiation reliability is improved, but the safety and insensitivity of the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitiation reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity to initiation stimulus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive charge dynamically changes its sensitivity state from insensitive (during storage and transport) to sensitive (at point of use via microwave irradiation). This temporal transformation allows the system to maintain safety during most of its lifecycle while ensuring reliable initiation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensitivity parameter of the explosive charge is changed through microwave irradiation, which temporarily or permanently increases its sensitivity to initiation stimuli. This parameter transformation enables the explosive to function as both a safe storage medium and a reliable initiator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If insensitive explosive material is used in the detonator system, then the safety during storage and transport is improved, but the ability to initiate detonation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental detonation riskVSAvoiddetonation initiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary sensitization of the insensitive explosive material using microwave energy at or near the point of use. This preliminary action transforms the explosive from an insensitive state to a sensitive state, enabling subsequent reliable detonation initiation while maintaining safety during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Microwave energy acts as an intermediary that temporarily or permanently modifies the sensitivity characteristics of the insensitive explosive material. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the safe insensitive state during storage and the sensitive state required for reliable detonation initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If microwave energy is applied to sensitize the explosive at point of use, then the safety during storage and transport is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized initiation vulnerabilityVSAvoidsensitization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microwave sensitization capability is combined with the detonator system, integrating the sensitization function into the existing initiation mechanism. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding separate independent subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system significantly reduces the risk of accidental or unauthorized detonation by maintaining insensitivity until activation, ensuring safe handling and use, and providing a controlled means to sensitize the explosive material for detonation only when needed.

Implementation Method 1

a short burst of microwave energy can be applied to the detonator to increase the sensitivity of the insensitive explosive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9097503B1Munitions having an insensitive detonator system for initiating large failure diameter explosives

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A munition according to a preferred embodiment can include a detonator system having a detonator that is selectively coupled to a microwave source that functions to selectively prime, activate, initiate, and/or sensitize an insensitive explosive material for detonation. The preferred detonator can include an explosive cavity having a barrier within which an insensitive explosive material is disposed and a waveguide coupled to the explosive cavity. The preferred system can further include a microwave source coupled to the waveguide such that microwaves enter the explosive cavity and impinge on the insensitive explosive material to sensitize the explosive material for detonation. In use the preferred embodiments permit the deployment and use of munitions that are maintained in an insensitive state until the actual time of use, thereby substantially preventing unauthorized or unintended detonation thereof.