Mid-Body Warhead Fragment Layout for Guided Projectile Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guided projectiles lack an effective mid-body warhead configuration that efficiently integrates with guidance and propulsion systems, providing adequate penetration capabilities against both ground and air targets.
Innovation Solution
A mid-body warhead design featuring a casing with a periphery wall containing multiple rows of fragments and a cavity filled with explosive material, where the forward end engages the guidance system and the rearward end engages the propulsion system, utilizing an explosively formed penetrator to enhance penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a warhead is placed in the forward or nose section of the projectile, then the projectile structure is simplified, but the integration with guidance and propulsion systems becomes complex and penetration capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into three distinct sections: forward guidance system, mid-body warhead, and rearward propulsion system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and integrated through standardized interfaces (thread patterns), simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable connections between systems.
2Device complexity
If a warhead is placed in the forward or nose section of the projectile, then the projectile structure is simplified, but penetration capability against ground and air targets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The periphery wall of the warhead casing is equipped with multiple rows of fragments at different locations, creating localized high-velocity fragmentation zones. This local quality enhancement provides superior penetration capability against both ground and air targets while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Strength
If multiple rows of fragments are arranged along the periphery wall of the warhead casing, then penetration capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periphery wall serves multiple functions: it contains the explosive material, provides structural integrity, and incorporates multiple rows of fragments for penetration. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several roles into a single component rather than adding separate systems.
4Productivity
If the warhead is configured in the mid-body position between guidance and propulsion systems, then integration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thread patterns are pre-configured on both the warhead casing and the guidance/propulsion system casings during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that integration can proceed efficiently through simple assembly operations, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the mid-body configuration.
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 mid-body warhead design enables efficient fragmentation and penetration against both ground and air targets, integrating seamlessly with guidance and propulsion systems, enhancing the projectile's overall effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The cavity is configured to contain an explosive material
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an explosively formed penetrator to enhance penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A warhead includes a casing having a periphery wall that extends along a central axis from a forward end of the casing to a rearward end of the casing. The casing defines a cavity configured to contain an explosive material, wherein the forward end of the casing includes a first thread pattern configured to engage a guidance system casing, and the rearward end of the casing includes a second thread pattern configured to engage a propulsion system casing. A first row of fragments is arranged along a first section of the periphery wall of the casing. A plurality of second rows of fragments is rearward of the first row of fragments and arranged along a second section of the periphery wall of the casing. In an example, each of the first and second sections tapers inward towards the central axis as it extends toward the forward end of the casing.