Abstract: The shock or energy absorber disclosed herein utilizes an apertured plate maintained under the normal level of liquid flowing in a piping system and disposed between the normal liquid flow path and a cavity pressurized with a compressible gas. The degree of openness (or porosity) of the plate is between 0.01 and 0.60. The energy level of a shock wave travelling down the piping system thus is dissipated by some of the liquid being jetted through the apertured plate toward the cavity. The cavity is large compared to the quantity of liquid jetted through the apertured plate, so there is little change in its volume. The porosity of the apertured plate influences the percentage of energy absorbed.

Abstract: A multi-effect passive detonation trap utilizes a manifold having a rectalarly shaped cross sectional area with oppositely disposed off-set pipeline fixedly connected thereto to attenuate an upstream detonation wave. The detonation wave is arrested by providing for maximum containment and self relief of the energy produced, directional control of the reaction, and a manifold configuration which assures extinction of the detonation wave.

Abstract: A variable position launcher including a launch tube in which the second event (SE) package is placed. A positioning spring on the explosive side of the SE package urges it toward the muzzle end of the tube which is sealed with a frangible cover. A gas inlet operates to pressurize the muzzle end of the tube and apply a velocity dependent force on the SE package opposite the spring force so that the SE package is accurately positioned within the tube thereby controlling the retrolaunch velocity.