Warhead Liner Asymmetry for Uniform Fragment Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fragmentation warheads exhibit inconsistent linear grouping of fragments, known as 'spoking', which reduces the probability of hit on target and limits lethality.

Innovation Solution

A warhead liner pattern is warped relative to the longitudinal axis, with a spiral design that repeats at a selected angle, such as 15 degrees, to reduce spoking and achieve a uniform distribution of fragments upon detonation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a typical fragmentation warhead is used, then the warhead produces a radially expanding pattern of fragments, but the fragments form inconsistent linear groupings (spoking) that reduce probability of hit on target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobability of hit on targetVSAvoiduniformity of fragment distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The liner pattern is intentionally designed with asymmetric spiral geometry relative to the longitudinal axis, creating a twisted fragmentation pattern that breaks the radial symmetry. This asymmetric design causes fragments to distribute more uniformly in three-dimensional space rather than forming linear spokes, thereby improving probability of hit on target while maintaining consistent fragment mass and velocity characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If the liner pattern is warped with a spiral design, then the uniform distribution of fragments is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of fragment distributionVSAvoidliner pattern complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liner pattern incorporates spiral curvature and twisted geometry that transforms the simple radial expansion into a three-dimensional uniform distribution pattern. The curved spiral design, when collapsed during detonation, creates a more homogeneous fragment cloud that fills space evenly, achieving uniform distribution while the complexity is managed through the geometric transformation of the spiral pattern during the explosion process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enhances the lethality of the warhead by maximizing the probability of target hit through improved fragment distribution without compromising fragmentation mass and velocity.

Implementation Method 1

an explosive charge (112) positioned inside the liner (102)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS9291437B2Radial firing warhead system and method

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A warhead system, method and apparatus. A warhead includes a liner having a longitudinal axis that runs down the center of the liner. The liner includes a liner pattern and a liner shape. The liner shape is selected and a radial distance from the longitudinal axis is selected. The liner pattern is warped as a function of the selected distance and the shape of the liner to reduce the effects of spoking in the post-detonation fragmentation pattern at the selected distance. The liner is then formed as a function of the warped liner pattern.