Abstract: A projectile launching device includes a reactive driver, a flyer housing, a flyer and a compressible buffer member. When detonated, the reactive driver will generate a detonation shock wave. The flyer housing defines a bore. The flyer is disposed in the bore and has a rear surface. The buffer member is interposed between the reactive driver and the flyer. The buffer member has a front surface in direct contact with the rear surface of the flyer. The buffer member is configured and arranged to: receive the detonation shock wave from the reactive driver; modify the detonation shock wave to generate a modified shock wave; and transmit the modified shock wave directly to the flyer to thereby propel the flyer away from the buffer member.

Abstract: A barrier for reduction of a shock wave. The barrier has a spatially graded structure in which a density of the structure varies across a thickness thereof. The graded structure includes a polymer having hollow containers dispersed in the polymer to provide the density of the graded structure. The barrier can be included in at least one of 1) an explosive device, 2) a war head, 3) a demolition charge, and 4) an explosive containment. These devices have an exterior housing and at least one partitioned segment inside the housing with the partitioned segment including the barrier for reduction of the shock wave. Partitioned sections of the explosive devices are selectively or in total detonated.