Tandem Warhead Shock Absorber for Charge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem warhead systems face performance degradation due to high stress on the main shaped charge from the detonation of the upstream charge, leading to potential deformation or damage before the shaped charge jet is formed, resulting in significant performance loss.
Innovation Solution
A load insert is pre-assembled to guide the charge insert radially within a penetrator shell, allowing axial relative movement controlled by a crash element that endures operating loads without plastic deformation initially, enabling large movements with minimal force increase during plastic deformation, thus protecting the main charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main shaped charge is fixed rigidly in the penetrator shell, then the structural stability is improved, but the charge is damaged by high stress from upstream charge detonation
Solution Approach 1:
A crushable energy absorber is pre-installed between the main shaped charge and the penetrator shell to cushion the impact from upstream charge detonation. This absorber deforms plastically under high stress to absorb energy, protecting the main charge from damage while allowing controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorber acts as an intermediary element between the main shaped charge and the penetrator shell. It mediates the force transmission by deforming under stress, reducing the peak forces transmitted to the charge while enabling the necessary relative movement.
2Force
If the main shaped charge is allowed to move axially relative to the penetrator shell, then the stress on the charge is reduced, but the precision of charge positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the energy absorber can deform. The absorber provides a controlled mechanical interface that allows axial movement during detonation while maintaining precise radial positioning of the charge within the penetrator shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the charge and penetrator shell is segmented into two independent functions: radial positioning (maintained by precision machining of the charge holder) and axial movement (accommodated by the deformable energy absorber). This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently.
3Force
If a compression element is added to allow charge movement, then the stress absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber performs multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs stress through plastic deformation, enables axial movement of the charge, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorber is designed with specific material parameters (yield strength, density, geometry) that allow it to undergo controlled plastic deformation at the expected stress levels. By optimizing these parameters, the absorber provides effective stress absorption with a simple ring-shaped structure.
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 solution ensures rigid load storage, allows large relative movement without excessive axial force, creating a time window for the shaped charge to form its jet without damage, enabling precise placement of a booster charge in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
With greater loads (e.g. interaction with a booster charge), plastic deformation occurs and enables large relative movements without a significant increase in the transmitted axial force (load).
Implementation Method 2
Due to the enormous external load (e.g. pressure from the detonation of the preliminary charge), the charge shell is accelerated in the opposite direction to the movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
By means of a deformable compression element, which is arranged between the shell of a penetrator and a charge unit that is axially displaceable within this shell, the forces acting on the penetrator by a triggered pre-shaped charge can be compensated for a certain period of time.