Temperature-Activatable Notch Charges for Controlled Warhead Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current missile and bomb deployment scenarios face challenges in achieving controlled fragment formation under subdetonative conditions, resulting in low fragment density and increased collateral damage due to large fragment masses and speeds, especially in urban environments with military targets.
Innovation Solution
The use of temperature-activatable notch charges within the warhead shell, comprising energetic materials and ignition charges, to create a controlled breakdown of the shell into smaller fragments by exploiting the deflagration-to-detonation transition effect, enhancing axial fragmentation and reducing fragment size and mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If passive measures such as notches in the outer shell are used, then fragment size control is improved, but fragment density remains low and fragment masses remain large
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into multiple segments using notches and inserts that create predetermined fracture lines. The notches are positioned to initiate controlled fragmentation into multiple smaller pieces rather than a few large fragments, increasing fragment density while maintaining size control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shell are given different structural properties through strategically placed notches and inserts. The notches create localized weak points that guide fracture patterns, while inserts provide reinforcement in specific areas to control the direction and size of resulting fragments.
2Manufacturing precision
If passive inserts between shell and blasting charge are used, then fragment separation is improved, but additional small fragments are generated that increase collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of excessive small fragments is extracted and eliminated by optimizing the insert design. The inserts are configured to separate main fragments effectively without generating excessive additional small fragments, thus maintaining fragment separation benefits while reducing collateral damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of generating additional small fragments is converted into a benefit by using the inserts to create a controlled distribution of fragment sizes. The inserts generate some small fragments but primarily produce a favorable mix of fragment sizes that improves target effectiveness while limiting excessive collateral damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If the warhead shell is weakened for controlled breakdown, then fragment size control is improved, but structural integrity and aerodynamic characteristics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is prepared for controlled breakdown in advance by incorporating notches and inserts during manufacturing. These features are strategically positioned and dimensioned to ensure that when the blasting charge detonates, the shell will fragment in a predetermined pattern with controlled fragment sizes, rather than requiring excessive weakening that would compromise structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If deflagration mode is used for subdetonative output, then power control flexibility is improved, but fragment density decreases and fragment masses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The physical parameters of the fragmentation system are changed by introducing notches and inserts that modify the stress distribution and fracture propagation characteristics. These structural modifications enable the deflagration mode to produce higher fragment density and smaller fragment masses by creating multiple initiation points for fracture that propagate through the shell, overcoming the low-pressure limitation of deflagration.
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
This approach significantly improves the effectiveness against near-range military targets while minimizing collateral damage by producing smaller, denser fragments, even in subdetonative modes, thereby enhancing precision and reducing unintended damage.
Implementation Method 1
to create a controlled breakdown of the shell into smaller fragments by exploiting the deflagration-to-detonation transition effect
Implementation Method 2
The notch charge may be activated by exposure to temperatures typically occurring during combustion reactions and/or deflagrations of the blasting charge
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the controlled breakdown of the shell of a warhead, wherein, by exploiting the hollow charge effect, the shell is substantially weakened and/or penetrated in the affected areas, thus enabling fragments of a desired size to form.