Multi-charge Munition with Convergent Penetrators for Concrete Boreholes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hole-boring charge assemblies for penetrating concrete targets often produce narrow, tapered holes that are not suitable for the emplacement of secondary charges, requiring large explosive masses and potentially damaging the follow-through charge due to excessive forces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-charge munition with a detonatable array of hollow primary charges, each with a recessed non-explosive liner, configured to project penetrators that converge at a focal point, creating a wider, deeper hole suitable for secondary charge emplacement, while maintaining energy density and minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single hollow charge is used to penetrate concrete targets, then penetration depth is achieved, but the hole produced is narrow and tapered making it unsuitable for secondary charge emplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single hollow charge into multiple smaller hollow charges arranged in an array. Each charge produces its own penetrator, and the combined effect creates a wider hole suitable for secondary charge emplacement while maintaining penetration depth. The segmented approach allows the hole width to be increased without proportionally increasing the mass of each individual charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the effects of multiple hollow charges by arranging them in a focused array where their penetrators converge at a focal point within the target. This combining of multiple penetrator effects creates a unified hole that has both the depth characteristics of individual penetrators and the width necessary for secondary charge emplacement.
2Area of stationary object
If the mass of explosive in hollow charges is increased to produce wider holes, then hole width increases, but the weight of the hollow charge increases undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the mass of a single hollow charge to widen the hole, the invention segments the total explosive mass into multiple smaller charges. The combined effect of these smaller charges produces a wider hole while the total weight is distributed across multiple lighter components, making the system more manageable and less desirable in terms of individual charge weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of charge arrangement from a single concentrated charge to a distributed array of multiple charges. This parameter change allows the system to achieve wider hole production through spatial distribution rather than mass increase, effectively decoupling hole width from individual charge weight.
3Length of stationary object
If a large mass of explosive is used in hole-boring charges to create sufficient penetration, then penetration capability is enhanced, but excessive forces are generated that may damage the follow-through charge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the total explosive mass into multiple smaller charges, which reduces the peak blast force generated by each individual charge. While the cumulative penetration effect is maintained through the array configuration, the distributed force profile prevents excessive localized forces that could damage the follow-through charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic array configuration where the relative positions and orientations of the hollow charges are optimized to focus penetrators at a specific depth. This dynamic arrangement allows penetration depth to be controlled independently of the total explosive mass, enabling reduced force generation while maintaining penetration capability.
4Area of stationary object
If the diameter of the hollow charge is increased to produce wider holes, then hole width increases, but the weight of the hollow charge increases and penetration in finite thickness targets may exceed optimal depth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple smaller hollow charges instead of a single large-diameter charge. Each small charge produces a penetrator of optimal depth for the target thickness, and the array configuration combines these to create a wider overall hole. This segmentation allows independent control of penetration depth and hole width.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension approach (increasing charge diameter to widen hole) to a multi-dimensional approach (arranging multiple charges in a focused array). By utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions, the system achieves both hole width and optimal penetration depth simultaneously, with each charge contributing to the overall hole geometry.
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 produces holes significantly larger than those created by single hollow charges of similar mass, allowing for effective emplacement of secondary charges and enhanced target damage with reduced overall munition weight and minimized risk to the follow-through charge.
Implementation Method 1
each primary charge having a recessed forward face, a liner of non-explosive material lining said forward face, and being geometrically configured, when detonated in the array, to project a penetrator derived from the liner
Implementation Method 2
configured to project penetrators that converge at a focal point, creating a wider, deeper hole suitable for secondary charge emplacement
Implementation Method 3
A multi-charge munition with a detonatable array of hollow primary charges
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-charge munition suitable for defeating a concrete target consists of a detonatable array of hollow primary charges (14) of explosive supported laterally of a line of target penetration on which is disposed a secondary explosive charge (48). Simultaneous detonation of the primary charges in the array causes jet penetrators to be projected together towards the target which produce wide boreholes in concrete suitable for the subsequent emplacement and detonation of the secondary charge. The munition may be an aerially-deliverable bomb or submunition.In one preferred embodiment, the primary charges (14) are positioned in a convergent configuration behind a forwardly-tapered secondary charge (48). Detonation of the primary charges projects penetrators forwardly passed the sides of the secondary charge and thrusts the secondary charge into the borehole produced in the target by the penetrators.