MATERIAL BASED IMPACT REACTIVE PROJECTILES
Various embodiments of projectiles and materials based impact reactive projectiles are described. In one embodiment, a projectile includes a projectile core and a tip. The projectile core may include a core base and a central recess that extends from a leading circumferential rim of the projectile core to the core base. The projectile core may further include projectile fingers each separated by a kerf, extending longitudinally from the core base to the leading circumferential rim, and extending radially apart between an outer periphery of the central recess to an outer periphery surface of the core. Depending at least in part upon the type of materials which the projectile is formed from, upon impact, the projectile fingers and core base of the projectile may fracture apart without a slug remaining. Alternatively, the projectile fingers may bloom out, expanding the cross sectional area of the projectile, and slowing the projectile.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisional application ser. No. 14/625,097, filed Feb. 18, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/037,267, filed Aug. 14, 2014, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDFirearms generally launch projectiles propelled by explosive force. Such firearms may be equipped with a barrel having an internal diameter defined by a common projectile caliber. A projectile used in conjunction with a firearm will have an external diameter that substantially matches the caliber of the barrel of the firearm. A person using a firearm may desire specific results when firing the weapon. To this end, a projectile may be designed to affect its ballistic or impact characteristics.
For a more complete understanding of the embodiments described herein and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows:
The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the embodiments described herein, as other equivalents are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe projectile core 112 includes a core base 122 (see also
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, each kerf 152 extends the distance “A” from the leading circumferential rim 124 to the core base 122 (or near the core base 122) of the projectile core 112. The distance “A” that the kerfs 152 extend may vary among embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, based on the distance “A” that the kerfs 152 extend, the core base 122 may extend less than between thirty to ten percent of the total length of the projectile core 112. In the embodiments which include one or more undercuts 126, the kerfs 152 may extend from the leading circumferential rim 124, to or toward the core base 122, and entirely or partially across one or more of the undercuts 126. In other embodiments, the distance “A” may be shorter and the core base 122 may extend between thirty and sixty percent of the total length of the projectile core 112. In still other embodiments, the distance “A” may be even shorter and the core base 122 may extend between sixty and eighty percent of the total length of the projectile core 112. Further, one or more of the kerfs 152 may extend a first distance while one or more others extend other distances.
Turning to
It should be appreciated that, the angle α1 between the surfaces of the cylindrical anchor pin 108 and the conical taper portion 106 may be selected based in part on the ductility, malleability, and/or tensile strength of the material from which the projectile core 112 is formed, for example, as factors which result in the projectile fingers 132 splintering, fracturing, or blooming after impact of the projectile 10. The conical taper portion 106 may meet the cylindrical anchor pin 108 at an angle α1 of about 115 to 165 degrees, for example, between a surface of the conical taper portion 106 and a surface of the cylindrical anchor pin 108.
It is noted that one primary purpose and function of the tip 102 is to facilitate the suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 132 after impact of the projectile 10. Upon impact of the tip 102 of the projectile 10 with any surface or body, the tip 102 will be pressed further into the central recess within the projectile core 112 in the direction “E”. At the same time, the conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 will apply upon the projectile fingers 132 a component of force (at least in part) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry “S” (see
As shown in
The projectile core 212 includes a core base 222, an undercut 226, and projectile fingers 232 separated from each other by kerfs 252. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 20 includes four projectile fingers 232 rather than six. The undercut 226 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 232 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 20, although it may be omitted. Each kerf 252 extends from the leading circumferential rim 224 substantially to the core base 222 (or near the core base 222) of the projectile core 212. The distance that the kerfs 252 extend may vary, but the kerfs 252 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 212 so that the projectile core 212 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 20.
Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in
The projectile core 312 includes a core base 322, an undercuts 326, and projectile fingers 332 separated from each other by kerfs 352. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 30 includes four projectile fingers 332 rather than six. The undercuts 326 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 332 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 30, although they may be omitted. Each kerf 352 extends from the leading circumferential rim 324 substantially to the core base 322 (or near the core base 322) of the projectile core 312. The distance that the kerfs 352 extend may vary, but the kerfs 352 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 312 so that the projectile core 312 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 30.
Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in
The projectile core 412 includes a core base 422, an undercuts 426, and projectile fingers 432 separated from each other by kerfs 452. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 40 includes four projectile fingers 432 rather than six. The undercuts 426 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 432 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 40, although they may be omitted. Each kerf 452 extends from the leading circumferential rim 424 substantially to the core base 422 (or near the core base 422) of the projectile core 412. The distance that the kerfs 452 extend may vary, but the kerfs 452 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 412 so that the projectile core 412 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 40.
Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in
The projectile core 512 includes a core base 522, an undercuts 526, and projectile fingers 532 separated from each other by kerfs 552. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 50 includes four projectile fingers 532 rather than six. The undercuts 526 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing, or blooming of the projectile fingers 532 apart from each other after impact of the projectile 50, although they may be omitted. Each kerf 552 extends from the leading circumferential rim 524 substantially to the core base 522 (or near the core base 522) of the projectile core 512. The distance that the kerfs 552 extend may vary, but the kerfs 552 generally extend deep enough into the projectile core 512 so that the projectile core 512 will suitably fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 50.
Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in
Turning to a discussion of the use of various types of materials in projectiles, it is generally noted that the use of relatively malleable or ductile materials in conventional projectiles may result in a relatively shallow, uncontrolled, and/or unpredictable penetration. On the other hand, the use of relatively hard materials in conventional projectiles may result in relatively deep penetration and, in some cases, passing through a target. If a projectile passes through a target, less energy is transferred from the projectile to the target. Also, the projectile may pass through and hit other individuals or objects.
With regard to the materials-related aspects of the embodiments, it is noted that the material composition of the projectiles described herein (i.e., the projectile cores 112, 212, 312, 412, and 512 and the tips 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 of the projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may affect the flight, impact, and post-impact performance of the projectiles. According to aspects of the embodiments, the materials of the projectile cores and the tips described herein may be selected for a balance between the performance factors of overall weight, ultimate tensile strength, deformation, expansion, rate of expansion, likelihood of fracturing or fragmenting, control in fracturing or fragmenting, penetrating distance, etc. In various embodiments, the projectile fingers and core base of the projectiles described herein may, upon impact with a body, fracture apart without remaining slug. Alternatively, the projectile fingers may bloom out, greatly expanding the cross sectional area of the projectile and slowing it down rapidly.
The projectile cores of the projectiles described herein (i.e., the projectile cores 112, 212, 312, 412, and 512 of the projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may be formed from a base of solid copper or solid copper alloy, such as a high copper, brass, bronze, copper-nickel, copper-nickel-zinc, copper-aluminum, copper-zinc, copper-tin, copper-nickel, other copper alloys, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of copper-beryllium, copper-chromium, copper-vanadium, copper-zirconium, copper-nickel-silicon, or copper-nickel-phosphorus alloys. Alternatively, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of iron, steel, or other metals. In still other embodiments, the projectile cores may be formed, at least in part, from materials other than metals or metallic alloys, such as glass, ceramics, plastics (e.g., polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon or other polymers), rubber, or wood. Similarly, the tips of the projectiles described herein (i.e., the tips 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 of the projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may be formed from any of the materials described above for the projectile cores. It is noted that, for any given projectile, the projectile core and the tip of the projectile may be formed from the same or different materials. That is, the projectile core can be formed from a first material and the tip can be formed from a second material.
In some cases, being made from an alloy of substantially copper, the projectile cores may be considered “green” projectiles in that they lacks lead and/or other elements which may be known to cause health or environmental concerns. However, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of one or more materials including lead and other elements. In at least the embodiments where a projectile core is formed from a base of solid material such as copper or brass, the projectile core would be formed without the need for a metal jacket.
Based upon the design of the projectiles described herein and the material or materials from which the projectile cores of those projectiles are formed (among other factors), the projectiles may expand apart and splinter, fracture, and/or bloom after impact in a consistent, expected fashion. The post-impact performance of the projectiles may be attributed to factors including the materials from which the projectiles are formed, the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the projectile core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact.
In some embodiments, a projectile having the design described herein may be substantially non-deforming after impact. In other words, rather than deforming, blooming, or mushrooming after impact, the projectile fingers of the projectile may fracture apart at the projectile core but otherwise avoid deforming or changing shape. The non-deforming nature may be attributed to the material from which the projectile core is formed, among other factors discussed herein. For example, especially when using a relatively hard but brittle material, such as solid brass, ceramic, or glass, the projectile fingers of the projectile may fracture apart but otherwise avoid deforming or changing shape. Beyond the type of material used, this non-deforming nature may also be attributed to the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact.
As an example of a non-deforming embodiment of one of the projectiles described herein,
Thus, after the projectile core 322 splinters or fractures into sections, the momentum of the projectile 30 is transferred, in parts, to the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302. Among preferred embodiments, the projectile core 312 of the projectile 30 (and the other projectiles described herein) may be formed such that the core base 322 is relatively small. For example, along its axis of symmetry, the core base 322 may extend less than between thirty to ten percent of the total length of the projectile core 312. Thus, when the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture, no slug portion of the projectile 30 may remain.
Because certain materials, such as brass or glass, for example, may break or fracture sharply under tensile, bending, or other moments of stress, the projectile 30 in
The traces or channels 604 are representative of the paths taken by the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302 after fracturing apart in the body 650. It should be appreciated that each of the paths taken by the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302 generates a separate wound channel. Further, when formed from brass, because the projectile fingers 332 are relatively hard, they are capable of extending a relatively deep penetrating distance into the body 650. However, the projectile fingers 332 may not have enough energy, individually, to pass through and exit the body 650. As such, it may be unlikely that any individuals behind the body 650 would be struck by one or more of the projectile fingers 332.
In other embodiments, the projectiles described herein may expand and bloom without fracturing after impact. This blooming nature may be attributed to several factors including the materials from which the projectiles are formed (e.g., relatively ductile materials), the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact. In this context,
In still other embodiments, the projectiles described herein may fracture apart (at least in part) and partially deform before and/or after fracturing. In this case, the projectile fingers may fracture apart and (at least to some extent) bend, deform, bloom, or mushroom after impact. This semi-deforming nature may be attributed to several factors including the materials from which the projectiles are formed, the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after impact.
Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.
Claims
1. A projectile, comprising:
- a projectile core having a central recess formed therein, the central recess including a conical recess portion and a cylindrical recess portion, the projectile core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile fingers each separated by a kerf, the plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the circumferential meplat rim and extending radially away from the axis of symmetry between the central recess and an outer periphery surface of the projectile core; and
- a tip including a nose, a conical taper portion, and a cylindrical anchor pin.
2. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
3. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from copper or an alloy formed substantially of copper which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry in response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
4. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
5. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is entirely formed from solid brass.
6. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second material.
7. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein
- the cylindrical anchor pin of the tip is lodged inside the cylindrical recess portion of the central recess; and
- the conical taper portion of the tip occupies the conical recess portion of the central recess.
8. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein
- each of the plurality of projectile fingers includes a plurality of surfaces; and
- at least one of the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile fingers includes a partial conical surface.
9. The projectile according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile fingers are substantially flat surfaces.
10. The projectile according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile fingers include cylindrical surface segments.
11. A projectile, comprising:
- a projectile core having a central recess formed therein, the projectile core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile fingers separated from each other, the plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the circumferential meplat rim; and
- a tip including a nose.
12. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
13. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from copper or an alloy formed substantially of copper which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
14. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
15. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second material.
16. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein
- the central recess includes a conical recess portion and a cylindrical recess portion; and
- the tip includes a conical taper portion and a cylindrical anchor pin.
17. A projectile, comprising:
- a projectile core having a central recess formed therein, the projectile core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile fingers separated from each other, the plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the circumferential meplat rim; and
- a tip including a nose, wherein
- along the axis of symmetry, the core base extends less than thirty percent of a length of the projectile core.
18. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
19. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the projectile core.
20. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second material.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 29, 2015
Publication Date: Feb 18, 2016
Inventors: David Martin Golloher (Merritt Island, FL), Leonard William Terkeurst (Cocoa, FL)
Application Number: 14/699,230