A detonation wavefront controller for a linear shaped charge, comprising a first part and a second part. The first part comprises: a detonator holder, and a first aperture having a first width and a shape which is substantially a cyclic polygon, substantially an ellipse or substantially circular. The second part comprises: a second aperture having a second width larger than the first width. With the first part at least partly received within the second part, the first part is moveable relative to the second part to configure the detonation wavefront controller at least between: a first configuration with a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second configuration with a second distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, the second distance larger than the first distance.

A detonation wavefront controller for a linear shaped charge, comprising a first part and a second part. The first part comprises: a detonator holder, and a first aperture having a first width and a shape which is substantially a cyclic polygon, substantially an ellipse or substantially circular. The second part comprises: a second aperture having a second width larger than the first width. With the first part at least partly received within the second part, the first part is moveable relative to the second part to configure the detonation wavefront controller at least between: a first configuration with a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second configuration with a second distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, the second distance larger than the first distance.

An explosive booster shaped to fit into a blasthole adjacent a main explosive charge is provided. The booster comprises a body containing a charge of an explosive substance with a passage extending inwardly of the body to receive a detonator therein. The booster is configured to alter the shape of a detonation wave generated upon initiation of the detonator. In an embodiment, the booster includes a first and a second explosive substance, with the first explosive substance being shaped and selected to cause an outer portion of the detonation wave to accelerate relative to the remainder of the wave thereby altering the shape of the wave from a generally spherical wave to a generally planar wave. In an embodiment, the booster includes an internal member capable of altering the shape of the detonation wave.

A focused output detonator includes a detonator shell including detonator components, and a focuser coupled to the detonator shell. The detonator shell may include a body extending along a central axis of the detonator shell. A first open end is provided at a first end of the body, and a closed end is provided at a second end of the body. A chamber is bounded by the body and the closed end, and the detonator components are housed in the chamber. The focuser is coupled to the closed end of the detonator shell. According to an aspect, the focused output detonator is structured to focus a ballistic output of the focuser along the central axis and away from the detonator shell. According to an aspect, the focuser includes a donor charge. The focuser may include an encapsulated and hydraulically sealed donor charge.

A focused output detonator includes a detonator shell including detonator components, and a focuser coupled to the detonator shell. The detonator shell may include a body extending along a central axis of the detonator shell. A first open end is provided at a first end of the body, and a closed end is provided at a second end of the body. A chamber is bounded by the body and the closed end, and the detonator components are housed in the chamber. The focuser is coupled to the closed end of the detonator shell. According to an aspect, the focused output detonator is structured to focus a ballistic output of the focuser along the central axis and away from the detonator shell. According to an aspect, the focuser includes a donor charge. The focuser may include an encapsulated and hydraulically sealed donor charge.

A detonation wavefront controller for a linear shaped charge, comprising a first part and a second part. The first part comprises: a detonator holder, and a first aperture having a first width and a shape which is substantially a cyclic polygon, substantially an ellipse or substantially circular. The second part comprises: a second aperture having a second width larger than the first width. With the first part at least partly received within the second part, the first part is moveable relative to the second part to configure the detonation wavefront controller at least between: a first configuration with a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second configuration with a second distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, the second distance larger than the first distance.

A detonation wavefront controller for a linear shaped charge, comprising a first part and a second part. The first part comprises: a detonator holder, and a first aperture having a first width and a shape which is substantially a cyclic polygon, substantially an ellipse or substantially circular. The second part comprises: a second aperture having a second width larger than the first width. With the first part at least partly received within the second part, the first part is moveable relative to the second part to configure the detonation wavefront controller at least between: a first configuration with a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second configuration with a second distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, the second distance larger than the first distance.

An agricultural enhancement method for removing or overcoming soil fragipan, hardpan, or other natural and/or artificial soil compaction barriers is disclosed. These barriers prevent root and/or water penetration, which inhibits agricultural development. Consequently, removing and overcoming these barriers is beneficial to the soil and to agricultural yields.

Downhole stimulation tools include a housing and at least one propellant structure within the housing comprising at least one propellant grain of a formulation, at least another propellant grain of a formulation different from the formulation of the at least one propellant grain longitudinally adjacent the at least one propellant grain, and at least one initiation element proximate at least one of the propellant grains. At least one pressure containment structure is secured to the housing and comprises a seal element expandable in response to gas pressure generated by combustion of a propellant grain of the at least one propellant structure. Related methods are also disclosed.

Downhole stimulation tools include a housing and at least one propellant structure within the housing comprising at least one propellant grain of a formulation, at least another propellant grain of a formulation different from the formulation of the at least one propellant grain longitudinally adjacent the at least one propellant grain, and at least one initiation element proximate at least one of the propellant grains. At least one pressure containment structure is secured to the housing and comprises a seal element expandable in response to gas pressure generated by combustion of a propellant grain of the at least one propellant structure. Related methods are also disclosed.