Modular Warhead Explosive Charge Segmentation for X-Ray Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-caliber warheads face challenges in non-destructive testing for defects like cavities or foreign objects within the explosive charge due to the metal structure of the warhead casing, which often results in ambiguous X-ray measurements.

Innovation Solution

The use of prefabricated explosive charge modules, each containing a self-contained part of the total explosive charge, allows for reliable non-destructive quality control and assembly into a warhead casing, reducing production complexity and safety regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the explosive charge is manufactured by injecting or pouring into the metal warhead casing, then the manufacturing process is simple, but non-destructive testing for defects becomes unreliable due to metal interference with X-ray measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive charge is divided into multiple separate charge modules that can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly into the warhead. Each module can be individually inspected using X-ray methods without interference from the metal casing, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and reliable quality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the entire explosive charge is placed in the warhead casing and then pressed, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but safety regulations become more stringent and quality control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidquality control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive charge is segmented into multiple smaller charge modules that are manufactured separately under less stringent safety conditions. Each module can be quality-controlled independently, and then assembled into the complete charge, improving both reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The explosive charge modules are manufactured and quality-tested in advance before being assembled into the warhead. This preliminary action allows for thorough inspection of each module without the constraints of the final warhead assembly, ensuring high reliability while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If a single large explosive charge is used, then the payload volume is efficient, but the ability to replace or adapt the charge is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload volumeVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive charge is divided into multiple modular units that can be individually replaced or adapted. The modules are designed with standardized interfaces to ensure efficient packing in the warhead volume while allowing flexible configuration changes for different mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular charge design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the explosive payload. Modules can be selectively replaced or adapted based on mission requirements, providing versatility while maintaining efficient volume utilization through standardized module dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3084342B1Warhead and explosive charge module for such a warhead
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP3084342B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The aim of the invention is to disclose a warhead (1) with a warhead casing (2) that contains an explosive charge, wherein the explosive charge can be produced in a simple manner and be subjected to a secure and meaningful quality control without that, as a result, the explosive action of the explosive charge is negatively influenced. In order to achieve said aim, the invention proposes that, instead of using an unified explosive charge which is produced by pressing or casting an explosive mixture into the warhead casing (2), a plurality of smaller, prefabricated explosive charge modules (6-11) containing explosive charge bodies (13) are arranged inside the warhead casing (2).