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: 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: A hypervelocity kinetic energy projectile has multiple penetrator stages gitudinally stacked one onto the other which separate and fly independently of one another during the projectile's flight. Connecting rods passing through and interconnecting each penetrator stage have notches positioned and sized so that aerodynamic forces acting upon flare tails of the penetrator stages will sever the connecting rods in such a way that causes the penetrator stages to separate from one another in a rearward to forward sequence. Alternatively, time delay fuzes, small explosive charges or other electrical and mechanical systems may be used to control the penetrator stage separation.

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: 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 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: 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: 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 detonation wave barrier for disposition between adjacent segments of warhead explosive including first and second layers of high shock impedance material and a third layer of low shock impedance material between the first and second layers.

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: 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 warhead which incorporates a rotationally-symmetrical hollow charge, and provides for a selectively centered or eccentric triggering thereof through the intermediary of suitably arranged detonators. Arranged symmetrically relative to the centrally-located detonator, are two further detonators in a principal plane. Through the symmetrical arrangement of two detonators outside of the principal axis of the warhead, there is generated an areal, cutting charge jet-like particle stream or jet, which will produce a line-like penetrating crater in the target at a relatively extensive penetrating depth.

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: A hollow charge including a primer block with a reverse, integrated ogival screen with a triggering effect.

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 fragmentation warhead having a main explosive and first detonator for selectively detonating the main explosive. The main explosive is encompassed by a coaxial detonation wave barrier, a secondary explosive layer on the wave barrier and a fragment layer on the secondary explosive. A second detonator is provided for selective detonation of the secondary explosive, and a fuze is provided for detonating either the first or second detonators depending upon sensed target parameters.

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: 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 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: The technical area of this invention is initiation delay mechanisms for warheads carrying two tandem-mounted shaped charges.With this invention the initiation delay mechanism consists of using the movement of a screen placed between the forward charge 1 and the rear charge 2. According to a specific characteristic, as it moves, the screen can close an electric circuit by means of contactors placed in a given position. According to other variants, the screen can impact piezoelectric components generating energy or, in the case of a magnetic screen, can cross an induction coil.Application in the field of projectiles and, particularly, of rockets and missiles.

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.

Abstract: A shaped charge having plane sides surfaces, in which a booster charge is arranged above a main or primary explosive charge, and wherein the booster charge extends from one of the side surfaces to the oppositely located surface. The booster charge is constituted of an explosive whose detonation velocity is higher than that of the explosive material of the main explosive charge. Thus, when the booster charge is detonated from one side surface thereof, then the booster charge has detonated across the entire length which is present between the two side surfaces, prior to the detonation wave within the main explosive charge having traveled across the entire length thereof.

Abstract: In order to initiate a low explosive (pyrotechnic) mixture with a high explosive detonator, a metal diaphragm preferably of aluminium alloy is interposed between the detonator and the mixture. The diaphragm interacts with the detonation wave so that it initiates the composition.

Abstract: A forwardly concave insert for a hollow charge of an armor-piercing missile or projectile has an inner peripheral wall with linear generatrices and an outer peripheral wall with at least partly curved generatrices diverging from the inner wall surface to an annular zone of maximum wall thickness at more than half the distance from the point of the cone to its base, the outer generatrices having centers of curvature lying beyond the cone axis on radii which are perpendicular to the inner wall surface at that annular zone. The arcuately curved sections of these outer generatrices merge tangentially into substantially straight-line sections converging at the cone axis into the aforementioned point.

Abstract: A method of reducing the velocity gradient of a shaped charge liner is diosed. A particular construction for the liner is also disclosed which has the same effect. The velocity gradient and jet-tip velocity are both reduced by forming a plurality of relatively small diameter holes in the charge liner before the liner is assembled with the remaining components of an explosive device.

Abstract: A shaped-charge warhead increases the lethality of the liner material by roducing a lethal material into an appropriate region of a jet penetrator so that the lethal material is projected on the shot-line ahead of a normally large slow-moving slug, or rearward portions of the stretching jet penetrator, without hindering the actual penetration process of an outer vehicle armor. The improved shaped-charge liner eliminates the necessity of using naturally pyroforic material or poisonous liquids.

Abstract: This invention relates to the determination of parameters for selecting materials for use as liners in shaped charges to transfer the greatest amount of energy to the explosive jet. Multi-layer liners constructed of metal in shaped charges for oil well perforators or other applications are selected in accordance with the invention to maximize the penetrating effect of the explosive jet by reference to four parameters: (1) Adjusting the explosive charge to liner mass ratio to achieve a balance between the amount of explosive used in a shaped charge and the areal density of the liner material; (2) Adjusting the ductility of each layer of a multi-layer liner to enhance the formation of a longer energy jet; (3) Buffering the intermediate layers of a multi-layer liner by varying the properties of each layer, e.g.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the construction of armor-piercing projecti which combine the enhanced kinetic energy penetration due to metal matrix composite materials with that of a shaped-charge jet to defeat armor not vulnerable to either weapon alone.

Abstract: An explosive device is disclosed which comprises a cylindrical casing filled with explosive charge. The charge is covered at one or both of its sides by a fragmentable lining which is fragmented by explosion of the explosive charge and movement of the shock wave in an effective direction. A recess is provided in the explosive charge which contains an inner booster charge surrounded by an outer annular booster charge. The inner and outer booster charges may be separated by a thin wall with openings in the wall communicating with spaced in the recess on sides of the outer booster charge. A damming lining covers a part of the outer booster charge and is spaced from the outer booster charge to form the spaces.

Abstract: An unlined Munroe Effect device for breaching structures in urban terrain. he device is constructed as an unlined, linear, shaped explosive charge which directs an explosive jet into the structure. The shaped charge is formed with a honeycombed substrate of metal in which the substrate interstices are filled with and the substrate is covered by an explosive material. The substrate is embedded in the explosive material. The explosive material and substrate, prior to curing of the explosive material, are formed into an unlined, semi-cylindrical shape to create the explosive jet or Munroe Effect. The device is initiated or detonated with a booster charge.

Abstract: An explosive body having an intensified detonation pressure is disclosed, characterized in that the body includes a main explosive charge and an auxiliary explosive charge. A material is arranged between the charges for transmitting the impact wave from the detonating auxiliary charge to the main charge. Detonation of the main charge is delayed following detonation of the auxiliary charge, whereby the impact wave of the auxiliary charge compresses the explosive of the main charge. Thus, the intensity of the resulting detonation pressure of the main charge is increased.

Abstract: Base separation of cast explosives in projectiles is prevented by means of resilient device, such as a spring washer, positioned between the bottom of the fuzewell cavity in the cast explosive and the bottom of the fuzewell liner threadedly secured to the projectile. By tightening the liner, the spring washer is compressed, causing it to apply a force upward on the liner and downward on the cast explosive toward the base of the projectile, thereby allowing the cast explosive to move in response to thermal changes while maintaining it in contact with the projectile base at all times.

Abstract: A shock-wave-reflecting surface and low density matter or gas within the ntal ogive of a shaped charge warhead ahead of the concave liner thereof modifies the speed and consequent distribution of particles in the stretching jet to improve armor penetration capability.

Abstract: Mechanical interference between a cast explosive material and a casing prnts rotation of the cast explosive material during machining thereof and improves symmetry and performance of the shaped-charge warhead. The cast explosive material may be keyed to the casing by flowing portions of the explosive material into a plurality of cavities in the casing before curing. Alternatively, pins may extend inward from the casing into the explosive material which surrounds them when cast and resists relative motion therebetween when cured. Alternatively, the explosive material may be pre-cast into an appropriate shape, cured and pressed into the casing. Protuberances to fit into holes in the casing or indentations to fit over pins extending into the casing may be formed on the pre-cast explosive. Engagement between the protuberances or indentations and the holes or pins respectively is attained when the explosive material is pressed into the casing.

Abstract: A shaped charge warhead comprising a sleeve, which, in order to improve the rate of detonation of the shaped charge is more weakly structured at the region of a hollow space or cavity of the shaped charge, for instance by providing at such location internal threading, reduced wall thickness or using a weaker material, or combinations thereof.