Abstract: Explosively separable structure having two weakened areas in each of the structural members to be separated, one where the separation is to occur and the other spaced from the first. The second weakened area is stronger than the first, and the explosive charge is positioned between the two. Upon detonation of the explosive charge, the structural member bends in the stronger area after being severed primarily by shear and bending in the weaker one. In the embodiment disclosed, the areas of weakness are formed by a pair of notches or grooves positioned symmetrically with respect to each other on opposite sides of the structural member.