Warhead Pre-fragmentation via Cavity Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre fragmentation methods for warheads result in inconsistent ballistic performance due to variations in projectile placement and material properties, leading to costly modifications in weapon systems and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pre-formed cavities in the warhead shell filled with high-density projectiles and low-density filler material, where the dimensions and densities are optimized to maintain the warhead's mass and geometry, using topological optimization for cavity placement and heat/pressure treatment for a strong filler structure, ensuring the projectiles are not deformed during acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre fragmentation is implemented using high density projectiles in pre formed cavities, then weapon effect and predictability are improved, but warhead mass and moment of inertia change affecting ballistic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting the density, dimensions, and material composition of projectiles and filler material to achieve the desired pre-fragmentation effect while maintaining the warhead's original mass and moment of inertia. The density relationship ρfill < ρshell < ρproj is optimized to balance fragmentation effectiveness with ballistic performance preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining high-density projectile material (such as tungsten or depleted uranium) with low-density filler material (such as aluminum or magnesium powder) within the shell structure. This composite approach allows the warhead to achieve improved fragmentation effects while maintaining overall mass balance through proper material selection and distribution.
2Strength
If carrier material is mixed with fragmentation units under high pressure and temperature, then shell structural strength is improved, but projectile position variation and outer geometry variations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shell into distinct regions: pre-formed cavities containing projectiles, filler material zones, and structural shell portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the shell provides structural strength while the cavities maintain precise projectile positioning, avoiding the mixing problems of conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming cavities in the shell before final assembly, and by pre-positioning projectiles within these cavities. This preliminary arrangement ensures consistent projectile positions and shell geometry are established before the shell undergoes any pressure or temperature treatment, preventing variations that would occur with post-assembly processing.
3Speed
If high density projectiles are used, then initial velocity and weapon effect are improved, but projectile deformation during acceleration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using high-density materials (such as tungsten or depleted uranium) specifically for the projectiles where high velocity and penetration are needed, while using lower-density materials for the filler and shell structures where extreme strength is less critical. This localized material selection allows projectiles to achieve high initial velocities without requiring the entire warhead to be constructed from high-strength materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials to create projectiles with optimized structural properties, combining high-density materials for mass and velocity with appropriate structural design. The composite approach allows the projectile to withstand high acceleration forces during launch while maintaining the high density needed for effective weapon performance.
4Reliability
If asymmetric projectile arrangement is implemented, then weapon effect optimization is improved, but moment of inertia changes affecting ballistic performance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing flexible arrangement of projectiles within the shell, including asymmetric configurations that optimize weapon effect for specific tactical requirements. The asymmetric arrangement is compensated for by adjusting the overall shell mass distribution and center of gravity position, maintaining ballistic stability while achieving optimized fragmentation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the shell and cavity system to accommodate various projectile arrangements - both symmetric and asymmetric configurations can be implemented within the same basic structure. This multi-functional design allows the weapon system to adapt to different tactical requirements while maintaining consistent ballistic performance through proper center of gravity management.
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 approach reduces integration costs, maintains initial projectile velocity, allows for asymmetric projectile arrangement, and optimizes weapon effect by minimizing shock wave impact and maintaining structural integrity, thus enhancing the warhead's performance without altering the weapon system's sub-systems.
Implementation Method 1
the filler material or agent are treated to a strong and continuous structure by heat and pressure treatment
Implementation Method 2
the filler material or agent are treated to a strong and continuous structure by a curing treatment
Implementation Method 3
when the war head burst... The velocity of the projectiles should initially be high when the projectiles leave the war head
Implementation Method 4
The shell of the grenade should act as a driving mirror for the projectiles when the projectiles leave the grenade and contribute to that the projectiles are accelerated to a high and even velocity in predetermined directions... the high acceleration and centrifugal forces occurring during launch
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to method for pre fragmentation of a warhead (1) comprising a warhead body (2), an explosive charge (6), a fin part (3), and a warhead shell (4) with the density ρshell wherein the warhead shell (4) comprises pre formed cavities (5), where each cavity (5) comprises at least one pre formed projectile (7) with the density ρproj and filler material or agent (8) with the density ρfill, wherein the method comprises the following steps: —pre formation of the cavities (5) in the warhead shell (4), —arrangement of at least one projectile (7) in each pre formed cavities (5), —filling of filler material or agent (8) in the cavities (5) so that the cavities (5) are filled, —treatment of the filler material or agent (8) so that the filler material or agent (8) forms a connected structure vid high adhesiveness to the projectiles (7) and to the walls of the cavity (5). The invention further relates to a pre fragmented warhead.