Abstract: An item assembly and a shock attenuation method for protecting an item comprising providing an item internal to an assembly and encasing the item in a fluid material such that the material and the item are approximately in hydrostatic balance upon an impact event.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique pertains to in-line explosive trains, and, more particularly, to a dynamic switch for use in an in-line explosive train. In a first aspect, the presently disclosed technique includes a method for use in arming an in-line explosive train comprising: arming two S&A circuits independently of one another; transitioning each arming circuit to a dynamic control start state to initiate a pair of state machines, each state machine associate with a respective one of the S&A circuits; transitioning through the states of the state machine to turn a switch on and off. In a second aspect, the presently disclosed technique includes a dynamic safety switch for use in an in-line explosive train comprising: a pair of S&A circuits; a pair of state machines entering a predetermined cycle upon indication to arm from both the S&A circuits and cooperatively transitioning through the cycle; and a switch controlled by the cooperative transition of the state machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a closure plate to an open end of a cylindrical casing, the apparatus having an inner member; a threaded outer ring biased in tension, disposed adjacent to the inner member, for releasably engaging an interior wall of the casing; and a eutectic spacer between the inner member and the outer ring. At temperatures below the melting point of the eutectic spacer, the outer ring is held in threaded engagement with the casing, and holds the closure plate in position in abutment with the casing. When the temperature of the eutectic spacer reaches its melting temperature, the eutectic spacer transitions to a liquid state, flows away from the apparatus, allowing the outer ring to retract into a groove in the inner member, and the closure to be released from the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a closure plate to an open end of a cylindrical casing, the apparatus having an inner member; a threaded outer ring biased in tension, disposed adjacent to the inner member, for releasably engaging an interior wall of the casing; and a eutectic spacer between the inner member and the outer ring. At temperatures below the melting point of the eutectic spacer, the outer ring is held in threaded engagement with the casing, and holds the closure plate in position in abutment with the casing. When the temperature of the eutectic spacer reaches its melting temperature, the eutectic spacer transitions to a liquid state, flows away from the apparatus, allowing the outer ring to retract into a groove in the inner member, and the closure to be released from the casing.

Abstract: A warhead assembly includes a penetrating casing having a forward nose portion and an generally cylindrical aft portion opposite said nose portion. A closure ring is disposed in said aft portion, a vent also being provided in said aft portion. The warhead casing is filled with a predetermined level of explosive material. Preferably the explosive composition contain reduced amounts of explosive material and a strong oxidizer. The warhead assembly possesses superior penetration and blast performance, as well as superior Insensitive Munitions characteristics.

Abstract: A warhead assembly includes a penetrating casing having a forward nose portion and an generally cylindrical aft portion opposite said nose portion. A closure ring is disposed in said aft portion, a vent also being provided in said aft portion. The warhead casing is filled with a predetermined level of explosive material. Preferably the explosive composition contain reduced amounts of explosive material and a strong oxidizer. The warhead assembly possesses superior penetration and blast performance, as well as superior Insensitive Munitions characteristics.