Warhead Shell Groove Segmentation for Target-Specific Fragment Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warheads lack the capability to generate and direct multiple sizes of explosion fragments effectively, which limits their versatility in targeting various types of targets, such as soft and hard targets, with minimal waste of fragments and explosive charge.
Innovation Solution
A warhead design featuring a shell with rotational symmetry, multiple weakenings, and angled surfaces to generate different-sized explosion fragments, along with a selection mechanism and rolling mechanism to direct these fragments accurately based on the target type, utilizing detonators to initiate the explosive charge and synchronize the detonation with the warhead's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a warhead uses a single groove pattern in the shell, then the fragment size is predetermined and uniform, but the warhead cannot effectively target multiple types of targets (soft and hard) with different fragment size requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shell's inner surface is divided into multiple groove patterns (first groove pattern and second groove pattern) with different groove densities. The first groove pattern produces larger fragments for hard targets, while the second groove pattern produces smaller fragments for soft targets. This segmentation allows the warhead to provide multiple fragment size options without requiring multiple separate warheads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which groove pattern to activate based on the target type. Using a rolling mechanism, the warhead rotates to position the appropriate groove pattern facing the target at the moment of detonation. This dynamic selection enables adaptability to different target types while maintaining a single shell structure.
2Reliability
If the warhead activates the wrong groove pattern for the target type, then fragment size mismatch occurs reducing effectiveness, but adding complex target recognition and selection mechanisms increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The warhead employs a rolling mechanism that rotates the shell at a controlled rate before detonation. By synchronizing the detonation timing with the rolling period, the system ensures that the correct groove pattern is positioned toward the target at the moment of explosion. This periodic motion provides a simple yet reliable method for selecting the appropriate fragment pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The warhead pre-configures multiple groove patterns on the shell surface before engagement. The control system预先 determines the target type and pre-positions the appropriate groove pattern to face the target direction before detonation occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures correct fragment generation without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the attack.
3Loss of substance
If the explosive charge detonates without directional control, then fragments are dispersed in all directions causing waste, but adding mechanisms to direct fragments increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge is positioned to detonate adjacent to a specific groove pattern rather than at the center of the warhead. This localized detonation position ensures that the explosion force is applied primarily to the intended groove pattern, directing fragments toward the target. By controlling where the explosion occurs rather than trying to control fragment trajectories after generation, the system achieves directional efficiency with minimal added complexity.
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 generation of target-specific explosion fragments, ensuring effective hitting of both hard and soft targets with minimal waste, optimizing the use of the explosive charge and fragment size for maximum impact.
Implementation Method 1
initiation of detonation of the explosive charge adjacent to said first or second surface
Implementation Method 2
shock waves propagating therefrom are directed towards the respective first or second plurality of weaknings
Data Source
AI summary
A warhead configured for being mounted in a missile for hitting a target, the warhead comprising: a shell having a rotational symmetry about a longitudinal axis; a shell effective sector extending along said axis, with first and second pluralities of weakenings in said shell, each extending along and having respective first and second orientations relative to said longitudinal axis, such that upon exertion of an explosion force on the weakenings from a corresponding first or second direction, respective first or second explosion fragments are generated; and a first surface and a second surface, each extending along the longitudinal axis, and defining, together with said shell effective section, a cavity for accommodating an explosive charge; each of said surfaces being oriented so that upon initiation of detonation of the explosive charge adjacent to said first or said surface, shock waves propagating therefrom are directed towards the respective first or second plurality of weaknings in said respective first or second direction, so as to exert said explosion force thereon, thereby generating said first or second explosion fragments, respectively.