Monolithic Fragmentation Body with Aligned Indentations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warheads face inefficiencies due to venting of explosive gases and irregular fragment distribution, leading to suboptimal fragment performance and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic fragmentation body with aligned indentation patterns on opposing surfaces, integrated into warheads, which constrains gas venting and ensures consistent fragment formation and trajectory, enhancing velocity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If discrete preformed fragments are arranged in adhesive material, then fragment distribution can be controlled, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fragmentation body is divided into multiple discrete fragments through pre-formed segmentation structures, allowing each fragment to be independently shaped and positioned. This segmentation enables controlled fragment distribution without requiring manual arrangement of individual fragments in adhesive material.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fragments are merged into a single integrated fragmentation body structure that maintains discrete fragment identities while eliminating the need for separate adhesive bonding operations. The fragments are combined in a unified structure that simplifies manufacturing and reduces assembly time.
2Speed
If discrete preformed fragments are used, then fragment velocity and trajectory can be controlled, but adhesive material interferes with fragment performance
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material is extracted or eliminated from the fragment assembly process. Fragments are positioned and secured without requiring adhesive bonding, thereby removing the source of interference that compromised fragment velocity and trajectory control.
Solution Approach 2:
A new intermediary structure or mechanism is introduced to replace the adhesive material's function of holding fragments in position. This intermediary enables fragment securement without the negative effects of adhesive extrusion and interference with fragment performance.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional warhead configuration is used, then fragment quantity and distribution can be adjusted, but gas venting reduces explosive efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A containment structure with controlled permeability or flexible sealing properties is used to manage gas venting. The structure allows for adjusted fragment quantity and distribution while controlling gas escape to maintain explosive efficiency through selective containment during the explosive event.
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 solution improves fragment velocity, trajectory accuracy, and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by facilitating controlled fragment formation and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
venting of explosive detonation-generated gases between the discrete preformed fragments... can impede the performance (e.g., velocity, trajectory, etc.) of the discrete preformed fragments upon explosive launch
Implementation Method 2
Upon a detonation, which may also be characterized as an explosive 'launch' of the explosive charge, the discrete preformed fragments are propelled from the warhead
Data Source
AI summary
A fragmentation body comprising a substantially monolithic structure comprising a metal material and comprising a major surface having an indentation pattern therein, and an opposing major surface having an opposing indentation pattern therein, the opposing indentation pattern being substantially aligned with the indentation pattern. A warhead and an article of ordnance are also described.