Device for the controlled initiation of the deflagration of an explosive charge

Abstract

A device for the controlled initiation of a subdetonative reaction of an explosive charge arranged in a shell includes at least one explosive charge core extending in a region of a longitudinal axis of the explosive charge. A transverse dimension of the explosive charge core is adaptable to a radial extent of the shell in a longitudinal direction of the explosive charge, while a charging of the explosive charge core is set homogeneously or locally variably over a length of the explosive charge core with respect to a type of explosive material.

Claims

1. A device for the controlled initiation of a subdetonative reaction of an explosive charge arranged in a shell, the device comprising: at least one explosive charge core extending along a longitudinal axis of the explosive charge, the explosive charge core including: a transverse dimension that varies according to a radius of the shell along the longitudinal axis, and a length over which a charging of explosive material of the explosive core is locally varied with respect to a type of the explosive material.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the charging of the explosive charge core varies according to the shell radius along the longitudinal axis.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the explosive material is arranged in the explosive charge core based on density and/or percentage composition of the explosive material.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein a mixture of explosive molecules and inert binders comprise the explosive charge core, and wherein the inert binders comprise at least one of HTBP, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, polystyrene, Estane, nylon, wax and graphite.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein a detonation speed of the explosive charge core is equal to or slightly less than a detonation speed of the explosive charge.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein a self-ignition temperature of the explosive charge core is below 230° C.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the transverse dimension of the explosive charge core to a diameter of the explosive charge is between 1/10 and 1/30.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the explosive charge core is surrounded by a sheath.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein a wall thickness and/or a material of the sheath varies according to the radius of the shell along the longitudinal direction of the explosive charge.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein a wall thickness of the sheath lies in a range of sizes of the transverse dimension of the explosive charge core, which is less than said wall thickness.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the explosive charge core is surrounded by a tube.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein a wall thickness and/or a material of the tube varies according to the radius of the shell along the longitudinal direction of the explosive charge.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein a wall thickness of the tube lies in a range of sizes of the transverse dimension of the explosive charge core, which is less than said wall thickness.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the explosive charge comprises a casted explosive charge with a CHNO-based explosive molecule comprised of at least one of RDX, HMX, NTO, FOX-7 and FOX-12, encapsulated in an inert binder comprised of at least one of HTPB, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, polystyrene, Estane and nylon.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the casted explosive charge further comprises additional metal powder comprising one or more of aluminum, magnesium, zirconium, titanium, tungsten, titanium carbide, zirconium carbide and ammonium perchlorate (AP).

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the explosive charge is surrounded by a shell made from at least one of metals, plastics or composite materials.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the metal is at least one of steel, aluminum, titanium and corresponding alloys thereof, and wherein the composite materials are at least one of GRP, CFRP, CRC and CFRC.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein a ratio of a mass of the shell to a mass of the explosive charge is between 1.0 and 8.0, and wherein a static failure pressure of the shell is under 6 kbar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1: shows the radial length of an explosive charge in relation to the charging of an explosive charge core;

(2) FIG. 2: shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to one embodiment of the invention in use in a known operative system;

(3) FIG. 3: shows examples of possible cross-sections of explosive charge cores.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(4) In FIG. 1, the inner radius (radial length) from the central axis to the inner wall of the shell is indicated vertically, and the suitable charging of an explosive core is indicated horizontally. A stably elapsing deflagration is achieved within the dotted lines. Above the dotted lines, the deflagration transitions into a combustion reaction and/or dies out completely and below, it transitions unchecked into a stronger reaction, such as a partial or complete detonation.

(5) In FIG. 2, a section through an operative system is shown, which is filled with explosive material SP within the shell HÜ up to a narrow cavity in the region of the longitudinal axis LA. This cavity, not further designated, serves to accommodate the explosive charge core SK. The explosive charge core extends from a first ignition apparatus Z1 at the top of the operative system to a further, second ignition apparatus Z2 at the rear of the operative system. Both ignition apparatuses may be used to initiate the explosive charge core.

(6) According to one embodiment of the invention, the explosive charge core SK is divided into a plurality of sections A1, A2, A3. Here, a division in fewer or more sections may also be sensible depending on the requirements of the operative system. These sections respectively correspond to a charging of the explosive charge core SK which is precisely adapted for this section. It is also possible to adapt the extent of the charging corresponding to the extent of the shell HÜ such that, after a higher value in the central region, the charging decreases again towards the end.

(7) Typical charging values which show promise in the different regions have already been identified. Thus, a charging in section A1 may lie in the range of values from 30 to 70 g/m, in the second region A2 in the range of values from 50 to 90 g/m and finally in the third region A3 in the range of values from 70 to 100 g/m.

(8) A further possibility for adaptation is the choice of the cross section of the explosive charge core SK. Depending on the need for adaptation, this may be angular, round-oval, semi-circular in form, as is shown in FIG. 3.

(9) Due to the possibilities for adaptation, explosive charge cores of almost any shapes and sizes of warheads and other operative systems may find application.

(10) A further advantage is the significant reduction of the initial velocity of fragments from the shell. Also of advantage is the considerable reduction of the maximum blast pressure. This can be characterized simply on the basis of assessment of the performance of an explosive charge
ρ.Math.D.sup.2/4
with ρ as density and D as reaction speed, primarily the detonation speed, of the explosive charge. As a result of the significantly reduced reaction speeds and reaction pressures, the performance during deflagration can thus be reduced to 5 to 15 percent compared to the detonative reaction of the explosive charger.