Hollow Charge Penetrator Tip Opening Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penetrators with hollow charges face power loss and reduced target crater depth due to insufficient tip openings, which hinder effective penetration and increase the risk of collateral damage in urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A penetrator design featuring a tip opening with a diameter of 10-40% of the caliber, closed by a metal cup and a plastic plug, which controls the expansion and fragmentation of the shaped charge spike to enhance penetration power while preventing unwanted spike formation in structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the tip opening diameter is increased to allow full spike passage, then penetration power is improved, but the risk of collateral damage in urban environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip opening diameter is made variable through a control mechanism that adjusts the opening size based on operational requirements. For hard targets, the opening is enlarged to allow full spike passage and maximize penetration power. For urban/soft targets, the opening is reduced or closed to suppress spike formation and minimize collateral damage, thus dynamically adapting the penetrator's behavior to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of tip opening diameter is changed according to the target type. By controlling the opening size parameter within a specific range, the penetrator can switch between two operational modes: full power mode for hard targets and suppressed mode for urban environments, allowing optimization of both penetration power and safety depending on the mission requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tip opening is reduced to minimize collateral damage, then safety in urban environments is improved, but penetration power against hard targets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic control mechanism that adjusts the tip opening diameter in real-time based on the detected or selected target type. When urban environments or soft targets are identified, the opening is reduced to suppress spike formation and minimize harmful effects. When hard targets requiring maximum penetration are detected, the opening is enlarged to restore full penetration capability, thus dynamically balancing safety and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip opening diameter parameter is varied within a controlled range to achieve different operational outcomes. For safety-critical applications in urban areas, the parameter is set to a smaller value to prevent excessive spike formation. For maximum penetration scenarios, the parameter is adjusted to a larger value, allowing the system to optimize the trade-off between safety and penetration power based on operational requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable plug is used to close the opening, then control over spike formation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is divided into separable components, specifically a removable plug that can be detached from the penetrator body. This segmentation allows the plug to be easily installed or removed without complex assembly procedures, simplifying the overall device while maintaining the ability to control spike formation through the presence or absence of the plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed as a detachable component that can be completely removed from the penetrator. This extraction capability provides simple yet effective control over spike formation: when the plug is in place, it restricts opening size and suppresses spike formation; when removed, full penetration capability is restored. This approach avoids the need for complex active control systems while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 design increases the shaped charge's penetration power for hard and semi-hard targets while minimizing damage and contamination risks during storage and operation, ensuring controlled spike reduction and suppression within structures.
Implementation Method 1
the opening in the tip of the penetrator is closed by means of a plastic plug surrounded by a metal cup
Implementation Method 2
the liner generates a spike that can form in the cavity in front of the shaped charge, accelerate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the penetrator
Implementation Method 3
reduce the power of the shaped charge spike in a controlled manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The penetrator (1) comprises a sheath (3) reinforced in the area of a tip (2), and a rear side arranged ignition system (4), which cooperates with a hollow charge-explosive charge (5). An opening (8) is provided, which is arranged in the tip of the penetrator rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis (L) of the penetrator. A metal cup is provided, which is detachably connected with the sheath.