Electric Reactive Armour Jet Destabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric reactive armor systems are not effective enough in destabilizing shaped charge jets, which can penetrate armor plates and cause significant damage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a stack of parallel metal plates with an electrically conductive structure embedded in insulating material, where the conductive structure comprises multiple layers that allow a stepwise renewal of electrical contact with the jet, disrupting its needle shape and causing it to form broad discs, thereby reducing penetration depth and stabilizing the jet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single electrode configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but the jet disturbance effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrode is divided into multiple electrode segments (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged in sequence along the jet path. Each segment independently contributes to jet disturbance through electrical contact, achieving enhanced destabilization effect while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode segments are arranged in a sequential spatial configuration along the jet trajectory rather than a single planar arrangement. This multi-dimensional positioning allows the jet to encounter multiple contact points in sequence, extending the disturbance effect along the penetration path and improving overall effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple electrode segments are used, then the jet disturbance effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode segments are electrically connected in series to form a unified electrode system. This merging approach allows the segments to function collectively as a single integrated structure, reducing control complexity while maintaining the cumulative jet disturbance effect of multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode segment serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical barrier to the jet, provides an electrical contact surface for current flow, and generates magnetic field components for jet disturbance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable jet destabilization.
3Power
If the distance between electrodes is reduced, then the current density increases, but the jet has less time to be destabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The jet encounters a periodic sequence of electrode segments arranged at intervals along its path. Each electrode segment provides a discrete electrical contact event, creating a periodic disturbance pattern that accumulates over time. This periodic action allows sufficient exposure duration while maintaining high current density at each contact point.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode segments are positioned to create a dynamic interaction sequence with the moving jet. As the jet travels through the electrode array, it dynamically encounters each segment in sequence, with the spacing optimized to maintain high power density during brief contact intervals while ensuring adequate total exposure time through the cumulative effect of multiple contacts.
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 configuration significantly destabilizes the shaped charge jet, reducing its penetrating power and increasing the distance it needs to travel to be stopped, effectively protecting the vehicle or vessel from damage.
Implementation Method 1
As a high voltage is applied to the electrodes, the jet effectively creates a short circuit when it has penetrated the first electrode and reaches the second electrode. As a result of the short circuit, a strong electrical current will flow through the jet, which gives rise to a magnetic field that in turn gives rise to a Lorentz force on the jet.
Implementation Method 2
By providing an electrically conductive structure having a plurality of surfaces embedded in an insulating material, such that a jet due the charge penetrates successive surfaces of the electrically conductive structure, it is accomplished that the electrical point of contact of the tip of the jet is renewed in a stepwise manner without need to interrupt the current. This stepwise renewal of the point of contact serves to destabilize the jet.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1a
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An electric reactive armour (10) comprises a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2) spaced apart from the first electrode, to which electrodes (1, 2) a high voltage can be applied so as to disrupt a charge contacting the electrodes. The second electrode (2) comprises an electrically conductive structure (21) having a plurality of surfaces (22) embedded in an insulating material (23), such that the charge jet penetrates successive surfaces of the electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure (21) comprises a meandering structure and/or a structure of linked cavities, such as a honeycomb structure.