Shaped Charge Attenuators for Safe Air Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting shaped charges with high explosive loads are restricted to land and sea due to their hazard classification, increasing transportation costs and time.
Innovation Solution
The use of attenuators, such as hardened steel balls and concrete, within the shaped charges to reduce the hazard classification to 1.4D, allowing for air transport by incorporating these materials into the charge packaging to mitigate the energy from detonation and prevent jet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shaped charges are transported with high explosive loads using conventional packaging, then the explosive power and penetration capability are maintained, but the hazard classification remains 1.1D which restricts transportation to land and sea only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by placing attenuators (such as steel balls, concrete, or other dense materials) inside the shaped charge cavity before transportation. These attenuators are positioned to intercept and absorb the jet formation and detonation energy, preventing the harmful effects that would otherwise occur during accidental detonation. This preliminary protective measure allows the shaped charge to be reclassified from hazard class 1.1D to 1.4D, enabling air transportation while maintaining the explosive's full power and penetration capability when properly activated.
2Reliability
If shaped charges are transported by land and sea only, then safety is maintained according to hazard classification 1.1D, but transportation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hazard classification parameter of the shaped charge from 1.1D to 1.4D by incorporating attenuators that reduce the risk of dangerous detonation effects during transportation. This parameter change in hazard classification opens up new transportation options including air freight, significantly reducing transportation time and cost while maintaining adequate safety through the attenuator protection system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If attenuators are added to shaped charges, then hazard classification is reduced to 1.4D enabling air transport, but the internal cavity space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the attenuator inside the existing cavity of the shaped charge, utilizing the internal space that would otherwise be empty or filled with less effective material. The attenuator is nested within the cavity defined by the liner, optimizing the use of available space while providing the necessary protection to reduce hazard classification and enable air transportation.
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
Enables the safe air transportation of shaped charges with high explosive loads by reducing the risk of damage and cost, as the attenuators effectively absorb and disrupt the energy from detonation, meeting the 1.4D classification criteria, thus avoiding the need for private aircraft and reducing transportation expenses.
Implementation Method 1
the attenuators effectively absorb and disrupt the energy from detonation
Implementation Method 2
The use of attenuators, such as hardened steel balls and concrete, within the shaped charges to reduce the hazard classification
Data Source
AI summary
A shaped charge is described herein, comprising a case; an energetic material disposed in the case; a metallic liner with a first surface disposed in contact with the energetic material and a second surface that is opposite from the first surface, and that defines a cavity; and an attenuator disposed in the cavity.