Segmented Gas Generator Warhead for Precision Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing munitions using high explosive (HE) warheads often result in uncontrolled energy release, leading to unintended collateral damage and fragmentation, which can increase the risk of damage to unintended targets and reduce precision in targeting.
Innovation Solution
A warhead design incorporating a gas generator that produces pressurized gas through deflagration of combustible materials, propelling projectiles through angled barrels to focus energy and increase target hit probability while minimizing area of effect and collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high explosive warheads are used to project projectiles, then high velocity and damage capability are achieved, but uncontrolled energy release and collateral damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The warhead is segmented into multiple independent barrels (e.g., 6-12 barrels) arranged in a polyhedral configuration, each firing projectiles independently. This segmentation contains the energy release within each barrel, preventing uncontrolled expansion and reducing collateral damage while maintaining high projectile velocities through controlled gas generation in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
A polyhedral gas generator serves as an intermediary between the explosive charge and the projectiles. The gas generator converts chemical energy to pressurized gas that propels projectiles through controlled expansion, mediating the energy transfer to achieve high velocity while containing the harmful effects within the barrel structures.
2Power
If high explosive materials are used for energy release, then high power is achieved, but precision and control over energy distribution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive energy release is segmented into multiple controlled compartments (barrels), each with its own gas generator. This allows precise control over energy distribution to multiple targets or areas, maintaining high power output while improving precision in where and how energy is delivered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls energy release timing and distribution across multiple barrels. The polyhedral gas generator can control the sequence and timing of projectile firing, allowing adaptive energy distribution based on target configuration, thereby improving precision while maintaining high power.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional HE warheads are used, then area of effect is maximized, but probability of target kill is reduced due to energy dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The warhead projects projectiles through multiple segmented barrels arranged polyhedrally, creating concentrated streams of projectiles toward specific target areas. This segmentation allows the area of effect to be tailored to match target geometry while maintaining high projectile density and velocity, thereby increasing target kill probability rather than dispersing energy.
4Strength
If high explosive materials are used, then destructive capability is enhanced, but warhead integrity and controlled projectile delivery are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The polyhedral gas generator acts as an intermediary that maintains warhead integrity during projectile delivery. It contains the high explosive materials in a structured polyhedral configuration, allowing controlled energy release that preserves warhead structure while delivering projectiles with enhanced destructive capability.
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 enables precise and focused projectile delivery with enhanced velocity, reducing the risk of collateral damage and maintaining the warhead's integrity, thereby increasing the probability of target kill while minimizing unintended damage.
Implementation Method 1
the gas generator includes a combustible gas generating material. When the gas generator is actuated, the gas generating material is combusted to generate the pressurized gas
Implementation Method 2
when the gas generator is actuated, the gas generating material deflagrates and is not detonated
Data Source
AI summary
A warhead includes a gas generator, a plurality of barrels, and a plurality of projectiles. The warhead is configured to selectively actuate the gas generator to generate a pressurized gas that energetically propels the projectiles through and out from the barrels to strike a target.