Pyrotechnic Decoy Mass with Segmented Fuel Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrotechnic dummy targets for infrared decoys are ineffective in simulating fast-flying aircraft due to unrealistic infrared source trajectories and insufficient radiation output, failing to deceive modern image-resolving infrared seeker heads.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic dummy target mass comprising first and second fuel particles, where the first particles ignite quickly and burn rapidly, while the larger second particles burn for a longer duration, creating a spatial effect that mimics the exhaust plume of a fast-flying aircraft, enhancing mechanical stability and maintaining intense infrared radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a pyrotechnic composition with uniform particle size is used, then the combustion is rapid and intense, but the infrared radiation duration is too short to simulate fast-flying aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic composition is segmented into two distinct particle size fractions: fine particles (30-70 μm) for rapid ignition and combustion, and coarse particles (0.5-3 mm) for sustained burning and long-duration infrared radiation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both rapid initial combustion and extended radiation tail, effectively simulating the exhaust plume of fast-flying aircraft.
2Reliability
If a single particle size is used, then the composition is simple to manufacture, but it cannot create the spatial effect and realistic trajectory needed to deceive modern infrared seeker heads
Solution Approach 1:
Different particle size regions within the composition serve different functional purposes: fine particles are optimized for rapid ignition and initial combustion intensity, while coarse particles are optimized for sustained burning and spatial distribution. This local quality differentiation creates a realistic exhaust plume trajectory and spatial effect that can deceive modern image-resolving infrared seeker heads.
3Speed
If the container ruptures quickly to disperse particles, then the decoy cloud forms rapidly, but the infrared source trajectory becomes unrealistic for fast-flying aircraft simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The container rupture and particle dispersion process is designed to be dynamic and controlled: the container quickly ruptures under predetermined internal pressure to achieve rapid decoy cloud formation, while the two-particle-size composition ensures that coarse particles maintain realistic trajectory and spatial distribution patterns that mimic fast-flying aircraft exhaust plumes, preventing unrealistic deceleration effects.
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 effectively simulates the infrared signature of a fast-flying aircraft, creating a long-lasting, space-occupying tail that can fool newer infrared seeker heads, providing effective decoy protection.
Implementation Method 1
the first fuel and the oxidizing agent can react with one another in an exothermic reaction releasing infrared radiation, the second particles being ignited by the reaction
Implementation Method 2
the second particles are designed such that they burn in air for at least 10 ms
Implementation Method 3
Metal present after combustion of the dummy target plates is hot thanks to the heat generated during combustion and therefore emits in the IR range
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pyrotechnic decoy mass comprising first particles comprising a first fuel, second particles comprising the first or a second fuel, an oxidizer for the first fuel and a binder, wherein the first fuel is at least a metal, wherein the second fuel is at least a metal or the second particles consist exclusively of the second fuel, wherein the first fuel and the oxidizer can react with each other in an exothermic reaction upon ignition, releasing infrared radiation, wherein the second particles are ignited by the reaction and released from the decoy mass.The first particles are smaller than the second particles or are otherwise designed such that, after ignition of the dummy target mass, they burn faster in air than the second particles, the second particles being designed to burn in air for at least 10 ms.