Warhead Tubular Structure for Asymmetric Fragment Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warheads lose kinetic energy of fragments not hitting the target, as the kinetic energy is dispersed due to the central initiation of explosive charges.
Innovation Solution
A tubular structure with a channel system on its outer surface and/or within the wall, filled with explosive substances, allows for selective initiation of the detonation wave at regions facing the target, optimizing fragment acceleration and directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If central initiation is used, then the explosive charge detonates uniformly, but the kinetic energy of fragments is dispersed and lost in directions away from the target
Solution Approach 1:
The initiation system is segmented into multiple channel systems distributed on the outer surface and within the wall of the tubular structure. Each channel system contains explosive substance and can be independently initiated, allowing selective detonation in specific regions facing the target rather than uniform central initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tubular structure are given different initiation qualities through the channel system distribution. Channels are strategically placed and dimensioned to create localized detonation zones that optimize fragment acceleration toward the target, rather than uniform initiation throughout the explosive charge.
2Reliability
If channel depth and diameter are increased, then detonation propagation is improved, but premature initiation of the main explosive occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The channel dimensions (depth C and diameter) are precisely controlled within specific ranges to optimize detonation propagation while preventing premature initiation. The parameters are adjusted based on the type of explosive substance used, creating an optimal balance between reliable detonation and safety.
3Loss of energy
If asymmetric initiation is implemented, then fragment kinetic energy is concentrated toward the target, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel systems are asymmetrically distributed on the outer surface and within the wall of the tubular structure, with varying depths and diameters. This asymmetric configuration enables selective initiation in regions facing the target, concentrating fragment kinetic energy in the desired direction rather than uniform dispersion.
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 tubular structure design enhances the kinetic energy of fragments hitting the target by precise timing and shaping of the detonation wave, providing more effective fragment spray and directional control.
Implementation Method 1
the initiation of the explosive charge placed in the cavity of the warhead occurs in the regions, where detonatively connecting bores are provided in the tubular structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Warhead (20) with asymmetric initiation comprising an inner explosive charge and a tubular structure (1) and being connectable to detonator means and target sensor (106) for activating the detonator means, whereby the tubular structure (1) comprises a wall (6) and a central cavity (7) for the inner explosive charge, an outer diameter D0) an inner diameter DI, a wall thickness T = 0,5 (DO - DI), a front end (2), a rear end (4), a central axis (10) connecting the front end (2) and the rear end (4), a length L measured parallel to the central axis (10) and an inner surface (8) facing the central cavity (7) and an outer surface (9) and the warhead further comprises a fragmentable material adjacent to the outer surface (9) of the tubular structure (1), whereby the wall (6) comprises a plurality of bores (12) angularly and/or axially spaced from each other and extending from the outer surface (9) in direction to the inner surface (8), the bores (12) are filled with an explosive substance (19), the outer surface (9) of the wall (6) is provided with a plurality of channels (11) and/or a plurality of channels (11) is provided within the wall (9), whereby the plurality of channels (11) connects at least a part of the plurality of the bores (12) and is filled with an explosive substance and the plurality of bores (12) is connected to a detonator by means of an explosive substance provided in the plurality of channels (11).