Abstract: A relatively low drag, completely free-flying, tubular vehicle comprises a body that defines a leading edge and a trailing edge and includes an external surface and an internal surface each extending from the leading to the trailing edge. The internal surface has an axially converging upstream section extending from the leading edge to a discontinuity that constitutes a throat in the vehicle. The internal surface also has an axially diverging downstream section extending from the throat to the trailing edge. The internal surface is configured to enable introduction and mixing of fuel into an airstream flowing therethrough, and to generate a shock wave when in flight. The shock wave is of such magnitude and direction as to create a hot spot that subsequently causes ignition and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. The combustion causes formation of a detonation bubble and migration of the associated wave front upstream to stabilize slightly downstream of the throat.

Abstract: A main charge of explosive is positioned symmetrically about a passageway-forming tubular member, such as a well pipe assembly. The charge is outwardly and radially spaced from the member and is coupled thereto by a dense medium, such as soil, which is adapted to transfer the produced explosive energy to the tubular member in the form of a pressure pulse applied by the medium. Initiation charges are supplied at the outer surface of the main charge, to initiate a detonation wave directed at the tubular member. A layer of dense medium is provided to confine the non-coupled surface of the charge and retard venting of explosive gases away from the tubular member. In the end result, concentrated, converging pressure pulses are applied to the tubular member on detonation, to cause it to be symmetrically crimped to restrict the passageway.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for breaching a lane in a minefield containing pressure sensitive mines. A mobile carrier mounts fuel, nitrogen and water tanks, a hose magazine and a launch rail. A flexible hose is folded into the magazine for rapid deployment therefrom and carries a detonating cord therein. A tow vehicle, such as a rocket, is connected to the free end of the hose so that when it is launched it will pull the hose across the minefield. Thereafter, pressurized nitrogen is used to drive liquid fuel into the hose, followed by a slug of water between the fuel-containing section and the carrier. Detonation of the cord creates a fuel droplets-in-air-cloud above the hose, which cloud is subsequently detonated to create a pressure wave which, in turn, detonates or neutralizes the mines along the desired lane, allowing vehicles and personnel to travel therealong.

Abstract: Film cooling apparatus adapted to be connected into a conduit carrying a hot exhaust gas. The apparatus comprises single walled contoured duct means connectible to said conduit and a center-body aerodynamically shaped and supported within said duct means so as to form therewith an annular channel of zero pressure gradient. Slot means are provided in the single walled contoured duct means and in the center-body to enable a flow of cooling air over exterior surfaces thereof to maintain said surfaces at an acceptably low temperature. A network of ducting carries the cooling air to the contoured duct means and interior of the center-body. The duct means and center-body are preferably of circular cross-section taken orthogonally of the overall flow direction. The center-body is an axisymmetric bulb having annular slots for directing the cooling air over the exterior of said bulb.