Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for the destruction of an explosive device, such as mines and other unexploded ordnance, without the detonation of the explosive device. The devices comprise an explosive charge that penetrates and opens the casing of an explosive device and forces reactive material into the explosive device, thus neutralizing it.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating as shear ("S") wave for use in oil and gas exploration, where such S-wave is created by detonating an explosive packaging in a shot hole in a manner that produces directionally controlled S-wave force vectors at each source station across a 3-D survey grid.

Abstract: The invention is a shaped charge comprising a housing, a liner, a quantity of explosive inside the housing between the housing and the liner, and a retaining spring in contact with the liner and the housing. The retaining spring is positioned to retain the liner substantially immovably inside the housing and has compressed external dimensions to enable locking engagement with the housing. The retaining spring provides axial force against the liner to compress the explosive and prevent shifting and settling of the explosive. The retaining spring also exerts laterally outward force against the circumference of the liner to reduce effects of thermal contraction on the liner. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining spring comprises a bellville spring. The bellville spring has an internal diameter substantially the same as the maximum diameter of the liner to prevent interference with discharge of the detonating shaped charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a large perforation in a target such as a wellbore casing. A recess in a housing has a closed end and an open end facing the target. A shaped liner in the recess has an apex facing the recess open end, and has a base end facing the closed end of the recess. The shaped liner defines an interior volume filled with explosive material. The explosive material is detonated and expands the liner against the recess wall and forms a perforating jet which moves toward the recess open end. If the recess open end is circular, the perforating jet exits the recess as an annular jet which impacts the target and cuts a plug section from the target. The penetrating power of the jet is confined to the annular cutting area instead of being focused into a conventional jet shape. Multiple shaped liners can be placed in the recess, and the shape of the perforating jet can be modified by the liner shape and recess dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selectively altering the jet pattern produced y a shaped charge round upon detonation by selectively providing confinement mass(es) on the surface of an outer casing of the round. Confinement mass(es) may be provided to induce a tamping effect upon detonation of the round. The placement of the confinement mass(es) relative to one another and to the round may produce different resulting jet patterns upon detonation. The mass(es) may be movable or removable such that the round may be configured to produce different jet patterns in the field or prior to targeting. Coherent or diffused jet patterns may be utilized, for example to penetrate armor of differing thicknesses or to alter the damage area created by the round.

Abstract: The jet of a shaped charge ammunition round may be disrupted and dispersed y altering the local charge to mass ratio within the shaped charge round. A shaped charge round typically produces a coherent jet suitable for penetrating thick armor or the like. However, such coherent jets may be unsuitable for damaging thinner targets. By placing a mass (or removing a mass) at a local portion of the shaped charge liner, the outer casing, or the explosive charge, the local charge to mass ratio may be altered, causing disruption of the coherent jet. A wire, wrapped around the charge liner in a spiral fashion, may be used to produce a substantially helical or spiral shaped jet which may be particularly applicable for damaging missiles or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a selectable effects explosively fod penetrator warhead having the ability to defeat either single armored targets or a multiplicity of lightly armored targets.

Abstract: A hemispherical shaped charge has been modified such that one side of the hemisphere is spherical and the other is aspherical allowing a wall thickness variation in the liner. A further modification is to use an elongated hemispherical shape. The liner has a thick wall at its pole and a thin wall at the equator with a continually decreasing wall thickness from the pole to the equator. The ratio of the wall thickness from the pole to the equator varies depending on liner material and HE shape. Hemispherical shaped charges have previously been limited to spherical shapes with no variations in wall thicknesses. By redesign of the basic liner thicknesses, the jet properties of coherence, stability, and mass distribution have been significantly improved.

Abstract: A method of securing a liner or inlay in an opening of a case surrounding a shaped explosive charge on all sides except for the opening, the opening facing the direction of the intended effect of the charge. The liner or inlay defines the shape of the charge in the direction of the intended effect of the charge. The method comprises immovably securing the liner or inlay in a direction parallel to the direction of the intended effect of the charge, and simultaneously resiliently securing the liner or inlay in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the intended effect of the charge, whereby a clearance is exists between an outer edge of the inlay or liner and an inner wall of the case.

Abstract: A high performance shaped charge for piercing high strength steel has a symmetry of revolution about an axis; a priming system constituted by a punctiform initiating source for producing a detonation wave in a block of donor explosive, and a cavity positioned between the donor explosive and a receiver explosive, the cavity being shaped in such a way that the detonation wave from the receiver explosive which enters a charging explosive is planar and perpendicular to the axis of the charge.

Abstract: A novel warhead employing a unique shaped charge liner design is disclosed. particular construction of the liner is described whereby the fabrication process uses three radii of curvature to generate an arcuate design which is convex when viewed from the open end. This liner design is capable of producing two distinct jets; a front or precursor jet consisting of small diameter particles traveling faster than a secondary or main jet and consists of larger diameter particles.

Abstract: Shaped charge perforators are provided which include a metal tube having a first closed end and containing a high energy explosive. The closed end includes a detonation device for providing an initiation charge to the high energy explosive. The tube further includes, at its unconstrained end, a liner comprising a liner metal having a density greater than about 10 g/cc. The liner forms a depression in the exposed end of the metal tube.

Abstract: The detonation wave velocity in a solid explosive body of material, incred by the "channel effect", is further increased by compounding of the "channel effect" and/or by partial shock wave interruption by means of a threaded or rifled passage wall surface in a continuous, open channel arrangement. The high velocity detonation wave can be used to increase the jet velocity of shaped charges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projectile-forming explosive charge (1) of the type which includes a forward concave insert (2) disposed in the envisaged effect direction of the charge and being reformed on detonation of the charge into a cohesive projectile (4). According to the invention, this projectile (4) is given advantageous ballistic configuration with the aid of a specifically designed annular portion (3) which is also utilized for retaining the insert (2) in that sleeve (8) which surrounds the explosive charge (9) on the other sides.

Abstract: An abstract is provided which is capable of clearing encased explosives s as land mines. This apparatus combines a shaped charge jet with a plate penetrator. A depression is formed in a column of a first explosive material. The depression is provided with a metal liner such that detonation of the first explosive material forms a shaped charge jet. The shaped charge jet passes through a hole in a plate penetrator and exits the device without detonating a second explosive material. The shaped charge jet strikes the ground and imparts kinetic energy. As the energy in the shaped charge jet is consumed, the second explosive material detonates and drives the plate penetrator to supersonic velocities. Since shaped charge jet velocity exceeds the detonation velocity of the second explosive material, the shaped charge jet clears a path ahead of the plate penetrator.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a case, an explosive material packed against the inner wall of the case, and a liner for lining the explosive material, where the liner includes Bismuth and Copper powders as constituent elements. The Bismuth element replaces a Lead element which is normally present as a constituent element in prior art shaped charge liners. Bismuth is superior to Lead because all environmental concerns, with respect to the deposition of Lead in a formation, have been eliminated.

Abstract: An explosive device which has a retainer with a groove, that houses a charge adapted to produce a shock wave upon detonation. The retainer is attached to a target such as an airplane canopy, so that the charge is spaced from the target a predetermined distance. Between the charge and the target is a transmitting medium that transmits the shock waves of the charge to the target. The transmitting medium is constructed from an essentially incompressible material such as rubber, which transmits the shock waves without dissipating much of the blast energy of the charge.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to produce a large number of jets of material at very high speeds from different surfaces. The device essentially comprises a detonator initiating an explosive charge by causing a detonation shock wave, which leaves the explosive charge in order to simultaneously initiate all the points of the entrance surface of a projectile. A cavity is made in the projectile in order to bring about the formation of a filiform jet in accordance with the vertical axis during the ejection of the projectile. An intermediate projectile can be provided between the explosive charge and the projectile. Different shapes of cavities and projectiles makes it possible to modulate the production of the jets as a function of the form and nature of the targets to be reached. Application is possible of the invention to making openings and to dismantling of various structures, to oil drilling operations and to geothermics.

Abstract: A safety booster for a perforation gun assembly which includes a cup having at least one opening and a secondary explosive disposed within the cup. The booster also includes a cover for the opening to contain the secondary explosive inside the cup.

Abstract: A projectile-forming explosive charge-insert of intensified penetrating power into a target, wherein a mass or weight component is centrally positioned in the insert, and the weight member possesses at least one shank projecting into the explosive charge. The weight member or mass serves as a stabilizer during the deformation of the insert into a projectile. The deformation procedure is favorably influenced by the weight member; in effect, during the collaboration of the insert in the region of the head, the mass or weight member acts in a damping or attenuating manner. Governing for the attenuating property of the weight member is, accordingly, its length towards the explosive and its attenuating capacity specific to its material.

Abstract: A warhead including a shell which encloses the explosive charge and a projectile forming liner with the liner being disposed so that its circumferential surface lies against an intermediate ring which, in turn, is fastened to the shell. To avoid undefinable spalling effects in the region of the boundary surfaces between the liner and the shell, which could result in asymmetrical tail formation for the projectile produced by the detonative resharping of the liner, the intermediate ring and the liner have the same acoustic impedance.

Abstract: A new shape charge includes an integrated circuit semiconductor bridge detonating device responsive to ordinary current for triggering a switch in the detonating device and igniting a pyrotechnic composition on a small integrated circuit semiconductor bridge in the detonation device in response to the current, thereby igniting an explosive material in the shape charge and firing the shape charge. Since the integrated circuit detonating device is utilized, responsive to ordinary current for detonation, prior art detonating cords are not needed. A plurality of shape charges in a perforating gun are fired substantially simultaneously using the new shape charge of the present invention.

Abstract: An explosive charge provided with a metal facing for the formation of an essentially rod-shaped projectile by detonative conversion of the facing. The facing is provided in its central region with a coating of a material which is denser than the material of the facing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hollow or projectile charge with an explos material charge (6) and a lining (9) acted upon by the detonation of the explosive material and forming a spike or a projectile (16). In order to achieve the highest possible accelerations for the spike or projectile, the lining (9) is constructed as a part of the hollow space (10) with walls (4, 5) of a good electrically conducting material in which a primarily fed magnetic field (H) is enclosed and compressed by means of the detonation of the explosive material (6). The hollow space (10) is preferably formed by means of a coaxial system (3) of an inner conductor (4) and an outer conductor (5), which coaxial system is short-circuited at both sides, wherein the outer conductor is encased by explosive material (6). During the detonation of the explosive material, the outer conductor (5) is pressed against the inner conductor so that the hollow space (10) located between the outer and inner conductor is constantly reduced.

Abstract: A shaped charge that relates generally to metal moving warheads and which s as an improvement a means of increasing the explosive energy in a metal moving warhead by providing an air gap between the explosive and the metal to be displaced thereby providing, upon detonation of the explosive charge, the formation of a high velocity jet of intensified energy that makes a superior shaped charge device for use in piercing or deforming solid material.

Abstract: An arrangement for production of explosively formed projectiles consists of casing with explosive contents, a fuse arranged on the base side and a metal insert which covers the explosive contents on the head side, in which case the projectile acquires wing-like symmetrical folds on its tail by means of the following. The insert and/or the explosive contents and/or the fuse in their outside area and/or the casing on its jacket features at least three inhomogeneities arranged at a distance from the axis of the casing in a symmetrical manner around the circumference such that in the circumferential area of the insert varied. Acceleration is achieved according to the configuration of the inhomogeneities or the impact time of the shock wave or its impact energy is different.

Abstract: A warhead including a body surrounding an explosive and a projectile forming liner connected to the end of the body. In order to prevent undefined chipping effects along the edge of the liner during detonative reshaping of the liner, the liner and at least the part of the body immediately adjacent the liner form an integral unit made of the same material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-fragmenting explosive device for perforating a target injecting a material through the perforation to disrupt structure behind the target. The device is particularly adapted to safely disarm unexploded explosive devices such as bombs without detonation of the bomb. The device includes an outer covering of explosive material for explosively confining the disruptive material to a well defined shape for total injection into the target.

Abstract: An expandable telescoped airframe for a missile provides a shorter configuration for convenience in handling and a longer configuration to provide added predetermined clearance in front of a shaped charge warhead after launch. The airframe is mechanically locked into its extended configuration upon deployment of its expansion feature by means of a wedge brake collar. Possible deployment means include gas pressure, one or more springs, and a drogue parachute. Tail and other control surfaces spring open after clearing the airframe tube to provide aerodynamic stability.

Abstract: In the inventive shaped charge, the main charge and the propagating charge are held together solely by the barrier. This union is possible (and is distinguished by pronounced freedom from flaws) because the barrier is produced directly in the cavity in which it is to remain and is able to conform with the utmost accuracy to the surfaces of the charges. The barrier is advantageously formed under vacuum. Factors to be considered in the selection of the barrier material are its fluidifiability, its solidification and shrinkage behavior, and its compatibility with the explosive. Suitable barrier materials include single- or two-component foams, casting compounds, resins and adhesives.

Abstract: A ring detonator device for a warhead transfers a point initiation to the ng detonator. The detonator device is comprised of an inner and outer conically shaped member with the outer conically shaped member having the shape of a modified frustum of a circular cone due to a cylindrical member extending from the smaller base of the outer conically shaped member. The space between the inner and outer conically shaped member contains an explosive composition which is discharged as a shock wave and detonation products after ignition in a ring configuration by a common cylindrical portion extending from each of the larger bases of each conically shaped member to align the space therebetween perpendicular to the bases of the conically shaped members. The ring detonator results in a flatter wave front per unit length of warhead thereby achieving improved efficiency and the use of a shorter warhead.

Abstract: A shaped charge has provision for bleeding off internal pressure. The shaped charge has a case, a cap, and an O-ring. The case and the cap each have a first end. The case and the cap are assembled together by one of the first ends receiving the other first end. A groove is formed between the case and the cap; the groove receives the O-ring. The groove is provided with a gap on the external pressure side of the O-ring. The gap communicates with the exterior of the shaped charge. When internal pressure is greater than external pressure, the O-ring is deformd and extrudes into the gap, thereby exposing the gap to the internal pressure and allowing the internal pressure to vent out of the shaped charge. The gap is formed either by beveling an edge of the groove or by a borehole extending from a position that communicates with the exterior of the shaped charge to an opening in the groove.

Abstract: An implosion shaped charge device for jet perforating. In its overall concept, the implosion shaped charge perforator comprises a liner of implosive geometry, a primary explosive contiguous to the liner for providing implosion impulse to such and means for detonating the primary explosive. In a first embodiment the detonating means is an explosively actuated impact detonator. In a second embodiment the detonating means is a laser initiated explosive detonator. Both embodiments may be utilized in a perforating gun for perforating subsurface earth formations. In the operation of the embodiments the primary explosive is detonated with the resulting detonation wave approximately constantly accelerating the liner to radially converge to a small volume, from which a jet is propagated in the direction of the maximum pressure gradient.

Abstract: An implosion shaped charge device for jet perforating. In its overall concept, the implosion shaped charge perforator comprises a liner of implosive geometry, a primary explosive contiguous to the liner for providing implosion impulse to such and means for detonating the primary explosive. In a first embodiment the detonating means is an explosively actuated impact detonator. In a second embodiment the detonating means is a laser initiated explosive detonator. Both embodiments may be utilized in a perforating gun for perforating subsurface earth formations. In the operation of the embodiments the primary explosive is detonated with the resulting detonation wave approximately constantly accelerating the liner to radially converge to a small volume, from which a jet is propagated in the direction of the maximum pressure gradient.

Abstract: There is disclosed an easy to assembly detonating cord retainer arrangement for shaped charges. A portion of a length of detonating cord is laid into the slot of a bifurcated cylindrical projection located at one end of the shaped charge case. A push nut is pressed onto the projection to retain the detonating cord within the slot.

Abstract: Multiple component frangible penetrators comprise a body portion of a frangible material and a heavy alloy machinable tail portion. Nose components joined to the opposing end of the body portions can be a variety of materials.

Abstract: An improved shaped charge is provided for well perforating guns utilized in hydrocarbon recovery operations. An increased diameter entry hole through the casing may be formed by the shaped charge, which is particularly beneficial when perforating gravel packed formations. The explosive powder within the charge case is initiated utilizing a multi-point discharge insert which channels the shock waves from the primer cord of the gun to multiple points each radially spaced from the center line of the charge case. A plasticizer charge is utilized to fill the relatively small diameter channels formed by the insert, and an insert material having a relatively low speed of sound is preferred to prevent detonation of the explosive powder through the insert material. By changing the configuration and the size of the insert channels, the entry hole size and depth of penetration formed by the shaped charges of the gun may be easily and inexpensively modified.

Abstract: A method and means for sealed joinder of case and cap members of a capsular shaped charge wherein opposing frustoconical shoulders are formed in adjacent walls of a case and cap and a resilient ring is retained therein to hold the case and cap in operative assembly and an elastomeric ring is positioned in a groove in the case member whereby it is under compressive deformation between the case and cap members when joined to seal the shaped charge from external pressures and fluids while allowing relative rotation of case and cap; wherein increasing external pressures, as in the well bore, will increase the sealing effect and strength of joinder of the assembly.

Abstract: A projectile with a tandem charge consisting of a borehole charge and a secondary firing charge, in which exact piercing guidance between the borehole charge and the secondary firing charge is obtained by the counterdirectional motion of the housing part with the secondary firing charge relative to a tubular guiding part of the housing.

Abstract: An assemblage which forms part of a warhead of other explosive device which seeks to overcome the problem of charge/liner detachment caused by excessive shrinkage of charge volume under low ambient temperature conditions and set-back during high acceleration launches.A container comprising a hollow charge liner peripherally attached to a rearwardly extended tubular sleeve contains a charge assemblage that is in contact with the liner and has a rearwardly extended portion protrusive beyond the sleeve. The container is slideable within the casing. A short waisted cylindrical spring washer is disposed within the casing so as to urge the container rearward relative to the case thereby axially compressing the charge assemblage between the liner and the rear end of the casing.

Abstract: An improved shaped charge comprised of a bell-shaped casing, a shaped explosive material disposed within the casing having a cavity formed therein and a liner disposed within the cavity formed of compressed powdered metal is provided. The compressed powdered metal liner includes a coating of an unsaturated organic compound or mixture of such organic compounds thereon whereby the liner is protected from corrosion attack without adversely affecting the performance of the shaped charge. A method of preventing the corrosion of the compressed powdered metal liner of a shaped charge is also provided.

Abstract: A fuze for a projectile-forming or fragment-forming, in essence, a spine or barb-forming charge, which affords that two detonating locations which are necessary for the splinter or fragment formation, are concurrently triggered in the region of the circumference of the charge. Through-extending bores are provided in a cover plate for the charge at the end facing towards the fuze, the bores containing a centrally located booster or intensifying charge, and spatially separated therefrom at lateral secure distances, two further booster or intensifying charges positioned diametrically opposite each other, whereby the further booster charges are interconnected through a rapidly reacting transmitting charge arranged in a V-shaped triggering passageway, two detonators being arranged in a slider at a distance from each other, and the detonators in the armed position, respectively, correlate with the central booster charge and with the detonating location for the transmitting charge.

Abstract: A method and means for sealed joinder of case and cap members of a capsular shaped charge wherein mating grooves are formed in adjacent walls of a case and cap and a resilient O-ring is compressively retained therein to hold the case and cap in operative assembly to seal from external pressures and fluids while allowing relative rotation of case and cap; wherein increasing external pressures, as in the well bore, will increase the sealing effect and strength of joinder of the assembly.

Abstract: A warhead for a guided missile initiated by a proximity fuse, for use against high speed high altitude targets, comprises a fragmentation casing, an outer explosive charge contained in the casing and having a detonator and an inner explosive charge radially separated from the outer charge by an empty space. The inner charge has a detonator and is so arranged that the outer charge is detonated by the shockwave travelling through the radial space. On the other hand, the inner charge does not detonate following explosion of the outer charge. The charges are so shaped that the fragments from the casing are distributed as a radially directed isotopic shower.

Abstract: An improved process for metallurgically bonding two layers of metal capable of forming brittle intermetallics, by means of propelling one of the layers progressively into collision along the other layer at a velocity and impact angle selected to produce a waveless, complete metal to metal bond substantially free of the formation of brittle intermetallics along the entire interfacial region of contact between said layers; and includes the welded product formed thereby.

Abstract: A less sensitive explosive, 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one. The compound 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) has a crystal density of 1.93 g/cm.sup.3 and calculated detonation velocity and pressure equivalent to those of RDX. It can be prepared in high yield from inexpensive starting materials in a safe synthesis. Results from initial small-scale sensitivity tests indicate that NTO is less sensitive than RDX and HMX in all respects. A 4.13 cm diameter, unconfined plate-dent test at 92% of crystal density gave the detonation pressure predicted for NTO by the BKW calculation.

Abstract: A fuze for setting off jacketed explosive charges, particularly underwater charges, comprises a breaking wall aimed at the explosive charge, and an initiating charge aimed at the breaking wall. Between the initiating charge and the breaking wall, an intermediate space is provided which can be filled with water. With the intermediate space filled with water, upon detonating the initiating charge, a shockwave is produced in the water in the intermediate space by which the breaking wall is fragmented to form a piercing spike setting off the explosive charge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a Pyronol torch and holder device for provid quick and efficient attachment of the torch to a barrier target (flat, curved, or irregular shape) that is made of steel or magnetic steel alloys. The device provides for attachment to the target and for holding a cutting torch containing pyrotechnic material at a predetermined standoff distance from the surface of the target for proper operation of the torch and for permitting escape of products of combustion to minimize liftoff forces on the holding device tending to lift it from the target to which it is attached.

Abstract: A lightweight linear shaped charge for explosive cutting and penetration of target, which includes a plastic linear housing in the form of a concave channel with an inverted "V" shaped metallic liner mounted within the concave channel. An explosive charge is shaped and held between the plastic housing and the metallic liner. Upon detonation of the explosive charge an explosive jet of the metallic liner is generated to cut and penetrate the target. Also, the plastic linear housing may be extended downward a short standoff distance of approximately 0.5 to 1 inch for optimum cutting and penetration of the target.

Abstract: An improved capsule-type charge for use in perforating high temperature production zones in oil or gas wells is disclosed. The improvement consists of using a secondary initiating compound as an initiator, such as 1,3,5-Trinitro-2,4,6-Tripicrylbenzene or 2,2',2",4,4',4",6,6',6",-Nonanitroterphenyl. These initiators work well with commercially available high temperature explosives, such as PYX.