Abstract: A wrought metal liner for a shaped charge device having a ductile metal matrix and a discrete second phase is provided. The alloy composition is selected so the second phase is molten when the liner is accelerated following detonation. The molten phase reduces the tensile strength of the matrix so the liner slug is pulverized on striking a well casing. The slug does not penetrate the hole perforated in the well casing by the liner jet and the oil flow into the well bore is not impeded.

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: A warhead for enclosing an explosive charge includes a casing for surrounding the charge. The casing has an end presenting a frontal face. A liner having a circumferential area for attachment to the end of the casing and a coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha..sub.R is fastened to the casing by way of an intermediate ring connected to the circumferential area of the liner. The intermediate ring has a portion which is brought around the frontal face of the casing and which has a pressure face which presses against the exterior of the casing. The liner has a coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha..sub.E which is at least as great as the coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha..sub.R of the intermediate ring.

Abstract: The funnel- or bowl-shaped insert for hollow charges consists of a hollow body (10) which is produced and shaped from a copper monocrystal obtained through crystal growth. The growth orientation is the (111) main orientation. It coincides with the longitudinal axis of the hollow body. For production using the Bridgman zone melting process a mould is proposed consisting of an inner and outer mould section (18, 20). Both mould sections may be moved axially in relation to each other and will be brought into their terminal position determined by stop (26) during the melting process.

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: Hollow charge with a jet-forming lining or cover, in particular for producing a channel for a follow-through projectile in take-off runways, roadways or other stationary ground targets. A projectile-forming inert material is located between an initiator point and the jet-forming lining or cover at a distance from the initiator point and jet-forming lining or cover. The size, geometry, thickness and spatial position of the projectile-forming body are adaptable to the respective target characteristics.

Abstract: An improved well perforating device comprising a body member in the form of a cylindrical pressure vessel containing shaped explosive charges positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of the body member. The perforating device body is systematically shaped externally at the foci of the hollow cones so that both focused and wall expansion energy of the explosive energy of detonation is sufficiently controlled to prevent excessive deformation of the outer diameter of the body member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an explosive-containing device for cutting dense material, the device being particularly useful in forced entry situations, e.g. in law enforcement situations or where an immediate entry into a burning building through its wall is required.

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: An explosive planar shock wave generator produces a planar wave that trav down a shape charge cone to give amplified force on the jet. In all embodiments radial waves are converted to planar waves which react with an explosive shape charge. A planar wave shaper is comprised of a conically shaped planar charge having a predetermined diameter at the base and slant heights terminating at an apex. A cylindrically shaped fast detonating charge which is positioned above the cone shaped planar charge is detonated by a detonator positioned on the surface of the cylindrically shaped fast detonating charge. A sloweer cone shaped detonating shape charge intersecting along the base of the conically shaped planar charge receive the planar shock wave as transformed by the conically shaped planar charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the manufacture of monocrystal reflectors of copper, silver or gold for laser applications according to . . . patent application No. P 32 29 697.5-51 as well as reflectors manufactured according to this process.

Abstract: A shaped charge has a case, a cap, and an O-ring. The case has first and second ends and a cavity therein. The case first end has a cylindrical first surface that circumferentially surrounds the cavity. The case second end has a bifurcated projection for receiving a portion of detonating cord. The cap also has first and second ends and cavity therein. The cap first end has a cylindrical second surface that circumferentially surrounds the cap cavity. The case and cap first ends matingly receive each other such that the first and second surfaces face each other. The first and second surfaces have respective circumferential grooves that are aligned with each other when the case and cap are assembled together. The grooves receive the O-ring, which retains the case and cap together while permitting the case to rotate relative to the cap. The cap second end is adapted to couple to a shaped charge carrier.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprised of at least one encapsulated shaped charge held in the well bore adjacent the formation by a charge carrier optionally selected from a wire carrier or a metal strip carrier. The encapsulated shaped charge includes an ignition end and a capped discharge end, the ignition end having an extension providing cavities for containing opposed portions of a pair of wires. The capped discharge end includes a threaded extension whereby the encapsulated shaped charge can optionally be threadedly attached to a complementary threaded opening in a metal strip carrier. A wire carrier adapter nut is threadedly attached to the capped discharge end extension which provides cavities for containing opposed portions of a pair of additional wires of a four-wire carrier.

Abstract: An explosive charge with a projectile-forming metallic insert which, essentially, possesses the configuration of a spherically-curved dish. The insert should be constituted of a body from a single-crystal. Pursuant to a modification, in an explosive charge of the above-mentioned type which additionally possesses a member for the guidance or deflection of the detonation waves, it is contemplated that this member be also constituted from a single-crystal.

Abstract: A penetrator which is constituted of a heavy-metal, for example, a metal such as tungsten or depleted uranium, and which possesses a differently designed tensile strength and ductility along its length; and a method of manufacturing the penetrator. The penetrator is constituted of a single-crystal of the heavy-metal. The penetrator can be constituted from tungsten; however, it can also be constituted of an alloy whose main component is tungsten, to which rhenium is alloyed.

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: A warhead or horizontal fragmentation mine, which includes an explosive charge arranged within a housing, which is covered at the front end thereof with a concave or planar coating or cladding; and a method for producing the warhead. The coating is entirely, or at least overwhelmingly, constituted of a brittle heavy-metal or hard or carbide metal with a static fracture or breaking expansion of 15 or 25%, in which the coating is decomposed during the detonation into a large number of natural fragments or splinters of certain quantity, which spread out in a definite fragment cone or fragment wedge, and wherein the ratio of the quantity of the coating to that of explosive consists of approximately 1:0.4 to 1:0.6.

Abstract: A novel wall breaching apparatus may be constructed with sufficiently small weight and dimensions that it is effectively portable, while being sufficiently energetic to breach a thick wall. The apparatus consists of a number of similar panels, each including a matrix and a linear shaped charge embedded in the matrix. Each end of the charge is located adjacent an edge of the panel. The panels are configured to be assembled edge to edge in an open condition with the linear shaped charges arranged end to end, or face to face in a closed condition, with the linear shaped charges on the inside of the assembly. Thus, the apparatus may be collapsed to the closed position for storage and transport and assembled in its open condition to produce a single "semi-continuous" linear charge of fixed shape. The arrangement of the shaped charges end to end produces the "semi-continuous" linear shaped charge arrangement without the dimensional penalties associated with a continuous charge of the same size and configuration.

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: A method and apparatus for controlling the final shape of an explosively formed penetrator, in which a liner is explosively accelerated to high velocity to impact upon a mandrel and form a penetrator whose final shape, surface and mass distributions about its axis and along its length are determined by the mandrel shape. The shape of the mandrel can be varied to produce penetrators of optimal shape, depending upon the intended penetrator use. Such shape definition permits the dynamic formation of penetrators which have favorable static margins, which can be fin or spin stabilized, and which can have favorable shapes and mass distributions for effective target penetration.

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: A housing for joinable or interconnectable cutting charges, which is constituted of a casing, two end surfaces or plates, two spacer flaps, and of the insert. The frontal surfaces of the inserts are at least flush with the surfaces of the end plates or project therebeyond by only a slight distance. The end plates are provided with bent or angled portions facing towards the explosive, wherein the angled portions are in surface contact with the inserts and are fixedly connected with the latter. Through the end surface which is bent over towards the explosive and the insert, the separating location between two neighboring cutting charges is relatively well sealed with respect to the exiting gases of the explosive.

Abstract: A projectile of a predetermined geometrical configuration for small arms ammunition which comprises a solid monolithic body made of a copper alloy of approximately 61.5% of copper, approximately 35% of zinc, approximately 3% of lead and approximately 0.5% of tin.

Abstract: An armor-rupturing projectile-forming charge wherein the charge is adapted to selectively produce either single compact projectile, or through suitable measures to be able to concurrently produce a plurality of projectiles, so as to attack hard or heavily-armored targets, such as tank, as well as or lightly-armored, or even unarmored targets through a projectile which is correlated with the target.

Abstract: An explosive charge including a body and an insert disposed within the body and having given regions which are uniformly distributed around the center of the insert which differ from their respective immediately adjacent regions for forming, upon explosive conversion of the charge, a rod-shaped projectile which has a tail end with shaped portions for providing aerodynamic stabilization of the trajectory of the projectile. The insert is fastened to the body in an essentially band-shaped contact zone disposed between the insert and the body so that there exists between the insert and the body a strong force transfer capability at the given regions and a weaker to negligible force transfer capability between the given regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite liner for a shaped charge device. The liner comprises a wrought metal or metal alloy substrate having a desired shape and configuration and a coating deposited on a surface of the wrought substrate. The coating comprises a substantially uniform, substantially homogeneous isotropic material having a relatively fine grain structure and a relatively smooth surface which facilitates forming a metal jet having improved performance and penetration.

Abstract: A method of assembling a shaped charge projectile employing a fluted liner includes the steps of, first, loading an explosive propellant material in a hollow projectile case, next, preforming a shaped cavity in the propellant material, then, loading a fluted hollow linear into the cavity and, finally, consolidating the propellant material in the projectile case. The consolidation is carried out by engaging the liner with an interface sleeve mounted on an end of a punch and applying consolidating pressure against the propellant material via the sleeve and the liner. The sleeve is composed of resiliently-yieldable and deformable elastomer material having an original shape similar to that of the hollow interior of the liner but without any flutes formed thereon which would match the fluted liner.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.

Abstract: An explosive plane-wave air lens which enables a spherical wave form to be converted to a planar wave without the need to specially machine or shape explosive materials is described. A disc-shaped impactor having a greater thickness at its center than around its periphery is used to convert the spherical wave into a plane wave. When the wave reaches the impactor, the center of the impactor moves first because the spherical wave reaches the center of the impactor first. The wave strikes the impactor later in time as one moves radially along the impactor. Because the impactor is thinner as one moves radially outward, the velocity of the impactor is greater at the periphery than at the center. An acceptor explosive is positioned so that the impactor strikes the acceptor simultaneously. Consequently, a plane detonation wave is propagated through the acceptor explosive.

Abstract: A unique structure for the shaped charge allows the formation of a uniquely configured jet with an alternating velocity gradient along its length. In a preferred embodiment, the velocity of material within the jet is significantly greater at two points along its length than elsewhere. As a result, the material of the jet "bunches up" at these points, forming two bulges. The forwardmost bulge is expended as it breakes through the gun wall and travels through the borehole fluid. The second bulge grows as the jet traverses the annular space between the gun wall and the casing, providing a large diameter mass to impact the casing and form a large diameter hole therein.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved annular shaped charge of a type to be used in the shaped charge carrier of pipe cutting or severing apparatus. The improved annular shaped charge is made up of eight or more shaped charge segments disposed in side to side abutting relation. Each shaped charge segment has a die formed metal band and charge load. The invention also pertains to methods of making said annular shaped charge and the shaped charge segments, which methods are described.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: A flat disk having differing material properties in the inner and outer regions, resulting in varying dynamic material behavior during explosion deformation and a process for making the same. In particular, the outer regions of the flat disk produced, have a greater material hardness than the central regions of the disk.

Abstract: A shaped charge bomb whose liner is partially coated with a metal whose dity is greater than that of the liner which coating extends from an inner end on a circumferential line of the liner that results from the intersection of the inner side of the liner with a notional cylinder coaxial with the liner and having a radius not exceeding R/4 where R is the inner radius of the liner, the thickness of the heavy metal coating at each point meeting the equation ##EQU1## where T.sub.c is the coating thickness at a given circumferential line x, T.sub.1 is the liner thickness, .rho..sub.c is the coating density, .rho..sub.1 is the liner density and .beta. is the collapse angle at the circumferential line x.

Abstract: A linear explosive separation system includes two intersecting surfaces that are formed on a structural plate or other member consisting of isotropic material such as metal and offset from each other at an angle substantially less than 180.degree., and an explosive charge placed in a groove in intimate contact with the surface thereof, which groove is spaced from and parallel to the offset surfaces and so placed as to be nominally centered on the bisector of the angle formed by the offset surfaces.

Abstract: The application discloses improvements in hollow charges for linear cutting or demolition purposes wherein a bar formed from a composite of explosive material and a first pliant material has a V-shaped groove with a liner formed from a composite of particulate metal and a second pliant material. The metal may be copper and preferably the first and second pliant materials include the same constituents. The charge may include a casing having a spacing portion having an engagement surface for presentation to a work surface, which engagement surface is parallel to the outer edges of the liner and spaced therefrom to maintain an optimum stand-off distance. The casing may further include a groove filling portion of low density material which may be integrally constructed with the casing from a flexible material such as expanded polyethylene.

Abstract: A shaped charge perforating unit includes a housing having a cavity formed therein. An explosive charge of high explosive material is retained within the cavity by a liner of non-explosive material. The explosive charge consists of quantities of two explosive materials having different detonation sensitivities.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.

Abstract: Explosive separation apparatus in which a LSC is supported by a plurality narrow preform supports which provide intermittent support at predetermined positions to maintain the LSC at the required standoff and perpendicularity to the target. The orientation of the supports themselves is maintained flat against the missile skin by a properly sized tunnel in the backup ring. The supports have a channel which maintains the LSC in the required orientation and standoff. A slot in each support below the liner walls of the LSC eliminates any obstruction from the support between the LSC and the target. The supports are maintained at the required spacing by a wire lanyard system which also allows the support system including the LSC to be installed in or removed fron a backup ring without applying any longitudinal forces to the LSC itself. A Venturi Plate provides a dual target to prevent delamination or splintering when cutting a target of composite material.

Abstract: An explosive separation system for making a clean cut in composite laminate aterials in which a flexible linear shaped charge is maintained in a molded holder of a low-density, energy-absorbing material. The flexible linear shaped charge is molded in the holder when the holder itself is molded to ensure correct alignment of the charge and a correct standoff distance from the surface to be cut. The holder has sufficient volume to dissipate reflected explosive forces to reduce secondary damage to the cut edges and to areas adjacent to target area.

Abstract: An explosive device is disclosed, which is particularly suitable for high energy applications, e.g., priming blasting explosives, cutting cables and for secondary blasting. The device comprises an explosive material having an indentation upon a surface thereof. The indentation which has a mouth, is substantially symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the mouth. The cross-sectional area of the mouth is at least as great as any other cross-sectional area, normal to the axis, within the indentation. The thickness of explosive surrounding the mouth is greater than the critical diameter of the explosive.

Abstract: A shaped charge perforating unit includes a housing having a cavity formed therein. An explosive charge of high explosive material is retained within the cavity by a liner of non-explosive material. The exterior of the housing is substantially surrounded by a porous jacket of high strength fiber material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost bulk explosive storage container constructed in such a way that simple on-site modifications, specifically the attachment of a metal liner and the addition of a fluid will transform the carrying container into a directed energy demolition device.

Abstract: A device for mechanically welding a tube to a tube sheet having holes into which the tube is placed. A detonator is provided for detonating explosives for generating gas at a high pressure. A barrel having a perforated section is attached to the detonator for receiving the generated gas. An external disc-shaped stop surrounds the barrel for contacting an area of the tube sheet surrounding the hole. A disc-shaped internal stop is positioned on the barrel at the end of the perforated section opposite the external stop so that gas is mostly confined inside the tube between the external and internal stops.

Abstract: Detonation apparatus constituting a novel detonation amplifier is disclosed herein having a container enclosing a quantity of combined liquid compositions into which a detonation chamber is submerged. A pyrotechnic charge is suspended with the chamber which is surrounded by the liquid explosive composition. Apertures are provided in the wall of the chamber for permitting the liquid composition to enter the chamber. Activation of the pyrotechnic charge detonates the liquid composition within the chamber which, in turn, detonates the bulk quantity of the liquid composition in the container. In another form, the detonation amplifier includes a shaped charge producing a shock wave reflected back from a baffle to detonate the bulk quantity of the liquid composition in the container.

Abstract: A tamper mass including particulate material held together by a binder in a elf-contained supporting shape surrounding a concavity in a forward face containing an explosive, whereby upon detonation of the explosive, the tamper material provides initial and temporary confinement of detonation products to directing forces forward. After shock loading, the tamper material disintegrates into very fine particles, which individually contain very little energy in dispersion.

Abstract: A shaped charge perforating unit includes a housing having a cavity formed therein. An explosive charge of high explosive material is retained within the cavity by a liner of non-explosive material. The explosive charge consists of quantities of two explosive materials having different detonation rates.

Abstract: An improved liner for a shaped explosive charge has a metal side wall with an outer side surface which is adapted to be engaged by the explosive charge and an inner side surface which defines an outwardly flaring cavity. The side wall is formed of a single crystal of metal and is free of grain boundaries. The single crystal of metal is composed of atoms arranged as unit cells all having the same orientation relative to the central axis of the cavity. This tends to optimize the performance of the shaped charge and allows the designer of the shaped charged freedom to completely specify the crystallographic orientation of the side wall of the liner.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for shaping a detonation wave.In a conventional manner, a priming explosive mass is separated from a charging explosive mass by a shield. According to the invention, use is made of a porous material for forming the shield and it is given a shape such that, in the charging explosive, the detonation wave from the priming explosive is always in front of the shock wave from the shield.Application to the piercing of thick metal sheets.