Strain Gauge Sensor for Warhead Hard Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart fuzes lack an accurate and cost-effective sensor to detect hardened target layers and voids, limiting their ability to reliably detonate warheads or projectiles against sophisticated buried bunkers.
Innovation Solution
A custom strain gauge sensor assembly is mounted in the nose of a warhead, capable of dynamically detecting hardened target layers and voids by measuring dynamic loading forces and vibration frequencies, and integrated with smart fuze electronics to determine the optimal detonation point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometer sensors, pressure sensors, and/or strain gauge sensors are used in smart fuzes, then the fuze can detect environmental information, but the sensors suffer from low survivability, high cost, and difficulty when installing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors (accelerometers, pressure sensors) with a simple mechanical strain gauge system. The strain gauge is mounted on the penetrator body and directly measures mechanical strain during penetration, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronic sensing components while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive strain gauge elements that can be easily replaced or integrated into single-use penetrators. The strain gauge system is designed to be cost-effective and suitable for disposable application in military penetrators, reducing overall system cost while maintaining functionality.
2Measurement precision
If accelerometer sensors, pressure sensors, and/or strain gauge sensors are used in smart fuzes, then the fuze can detect environmental information, but these sensors have not provided reliable results in determining hard target layers and voids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the strain gauge specifically at the nose or forward portion of the penetrator where it directly contacts the target during penetration. This localized positioning ensures the sensor measures the most relevant mechanical strain data from hard target layers and voids, improving detection accuracy for these specific features.
3Extent of automation
If a smart fuze is developed to intelligently decide when to detonate a warhead, then the fuze can detect target depth, but it lacks an accurate and cheap sensor for determining the environment the warhead is traveling through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple mechanical strain gauge that directly measures penetration resistance. This mechanical approach provides accurate environmental information (hard target layers, voids, penetration depth) at low cost, enabling intelligent fuze functionality without requiring expensive sensors.
4Measurement precision
If strain gauge sensor is mounted in the nose of a warhead, then the sensor assembly can dynamically detect hardened target layers and voids, but the sensor must be protected from moisture and physical debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a protective shroud or encapsulation that acts as a flexible barrier between the strain gauge sensor and the external environment. This protective layer shields the sensor from moisture and physical debris while allowing the sensor to remain mounted in the nose of the penetrator for accurate dynamic loading detection.
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 provides a reliable, inexpensive, and angle-independent means to accurately detect hardened target layers and voids, enabling precise detonation of warheads or projectiles, even at varying angles of attack, and is resistant to noise and environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
the strain gauge sensor can be used to instantly determine the dynamic loading forces acting on the nose of the warhead as the body of the munition begins to penetrate the hard target
Implementation Method 2
the strain gauge sensor can also measure the vibration frequencies in the penetrating body, indicating if the warhead is traveling through a void
Implementation Method 3
The multiple strain gauge devices are wired together as a Wheatstone bridge design, reducing electrical noise and allowing the sensor to determine the angle of impact with the hardened target
Data Source
AI summary
Hardened target sensors and systems are described herein. An example system includes a projectile defining an ogive, a body, and a base. The body of the projectile is arranged between the ogive and the base. The system includes a sensor assembly including a nose member and a plurality of strain gauges. The nose member defines a nose portion, a shaft, portion, and a threaded portion. The strain gauges are attached to the shaft portion. The system includes a shroud member, which is mechanically coupled with the sensor assembly and the body. The system further includes a smart fuze arranged within the body. The smart fuze is operably coupled to the strain gauges. The strain gauges measure the compression/tension of the shaft portion, which is part of the nose member. The load measured by the strain gauges can be used to detect hardened target layers and/or voids.