Abstract: A breaching apparatus includes an impactor element and a self-contained energy source. The self-contained energy source enables the impactor element to impact a first surface of a structure. The impactor element is configured to transmit a localized shock wave through the structure upon impact. The self-contained energy source is capable of accelerating the impactor element to a velocity sufficient to induce spalling at a second surface of the structure. Multiple breaching apparatuses can be supported by a frame to facilitate simultaneous or successive breaching of the structure. The breaching apparatus can be used in a method to breach a concrete structure.

Abstract: A component separation system for separating a load from an external structure according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a sleeve slidingly engaged with the external structure. The sleeve includes an opening and an interior. A locking mechanism, such as a ball or latch, is movably disposed through the sleeve opening between a locked position engaging the external structure and an unlocked position not engaging the external structure. A mover slidingly disposed within the hollow interior of the sleeve controls the movement of the locking mechanism through the opening. Energy excess beyond that required for unlocking the mechanism may provide a thrust to forcibly eject the load from the external structure.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A projectile including: a body having an internal space; and a mechanical stepper motor disposed in the body. The mechanical stepper motor including: a shuttle having one of a plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; a body portion having the other of the plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the first spacing; and actuation means for engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the shuttle and body portion a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement.

Abstract: A hammer-drive powder-actuated tool includes a hollow tool body extending along a front-to-rear direction, and a firing device disposed within a rear end portion of the tool body. The firing device includes a pin holder having a through hole extending along the front-to-rear direction, and a firing pin movable forwardly and rearwardly relative to the pin holder. The pin has a firing end portion that is disposed at a front end thereof and that extends into the through hole in the pin holder, and a central axis aligned with that of a rimfire cartridge along the front-to-rear direction. A front end of the firing end portion of the firing pin has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the annular primer and smaller than the outer diameter of the annular primer.

Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.

Abstract: A slot cover actuation assembly controls access through a slot on a projectile. The slot cover actuation assembly includes a slot cover, a fastener (e.g., a screw), and an actuator (e.g., a squib device). The fastener is arranged to position the slot cover at an installation position on the projectile. The slot cover covers the slot on the projectile when the slot cover resides at the installation position. The actuator is arranged to release the slot cover from the installation position on the projectile. The slot cover uncovers the slot on the projectile when the actuator releases the slot cover from the installation position on the projectile, thus allowing a control surface member (e.g., a fin) to deploy.

Abstract: A breaching apparatus includes an impactor element and a self-contained energy source. The self-contained energy source enables the impactor element to impact a first surface of a structure. The impactor element is configured to transmit a localized shock wave through the structure upon impact. The self-contained energy source is capable of accelerating the impactor element to a velocity sufficient to induce spalling at a second surface of the structure. Multiple breaching apparatuses can be supported by a frame to facilitate simultaneous or successive breaching of the structure. The breaching apparatus can be used in a method to breach a concrete structure.

Abstract: A powder-actuated fastener-driving device includes a barrel mounted in a housing. The barrel has a barrel wall formed with a through hole communicating with a radial vent hole. The through hole and the vent hole constitute an exhaust passage. A driving piston is mounted movably within the barrel, and has a rear end portion cooperating with an inner annular surface of the barrel wall to define an annular gap therebetween. A power adjusting unit includes an adjusting member disposed movably in the housing, and operable to move a control end portion thereof within the through hole so as to control an effective open area of the exhaust passage such that combustion gases discharge from a firing chamber defined between the driving piston and a rear end portion of the barrel through the gap and the effective open area, thereby controlling venting of combustion gases from the firing chamber.

Abstract: A method of preventing initiation of an explosive device. The method comprises substantially encasing an explosive device with a conductive foam. The explosive device is configured to be initiated by an electromagnetic radiation signal, such as that emitted by a transmitter of a wireless door bell device. Deactivated explosive devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hammer-drive powder-actuated tool includes: a barrel unit inserted movably into a tubular housing; a firing pin holder disposed fixedly in the housing, abutting against a rear end portion of the barrel unit and formed with a through hole; a firing pin disposed movably between a rear open end of the housing and the rear end portion of the barrel unit, having an intermediate portion interconnecting integrally a firing end portion that extends into the through hole in the firing pin holder and a head portion, and operable between a normal position and a firing position; an engaging member sleeved on the intermediate portion of the firing pin for stopping movement of the firing end portion of the firing pin away from the through hole in the firing pin holder; and a biasing member for biasing the firing pin to move toward the normal position.

Abstract: A tactical utility pole system for use by law enforcement is described. Embodiments of the system are user configurable depending on a particular tactical need. Variations are described for breaching a locked door, breaching a closed window and delivering and nearly instantaneously detonating a distraction within the associated structure, breaching a closed window and delivering a stream of OC or other chemical spray within the associated structure, and breaching a closed window and delivering a chemical grenade within the structure. Other variations are also contemplated.

Abstract: A latch including a first electrical explosive device disposed between first and second surfaces and a second electrical explosive device disposed between said first and second surfaces in series with said first electrical explosive device. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is a missile or torpedo, the first surface is a drag door and the second surface is a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the first electrical explosive device is coupled to the vehicle body on a first end of the device and to a common series attachment on another end thereof and the second electrical explosive device is connected to the common series attachment on a first end and to the drag door on a second end thereof. An arrangement is included for activating the electrical explosive devices to effect a deployment of the drag door with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator subassembly (10) for a vehicle safety system comprising a pyrotechnic actuator unit (12) including an igniting portion (14) as well as a receiving element (16) forming a guide for the movable igniting portion (14) after activating the actuator unit (12). Further the invention relates to an airbag module of a vehicle safety system comprising said actuator subassembly (10) and a method of mounting a releasable tether (30) on an airbag module by means of said actuator assembly (10).

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A latch including a first electrical explosive device disposed between first and second surfaces and a second electrical explosive device disposed between said first and second surfaces in series with said first electrical explosive device. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is a missile or torpedo, the first surface is a drag door and the second surface is a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the first electrical explosive device is coupled to the vehicle body on a first end of the device and to a common series attachment on another end thereof and the second electrical explosive device is connected to the common series attachment on a first end and to the drag door on a second end thereof. An arrangement is included for activating the electrical explosive devices to effect a deployment of the drag door with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic releasable locking device for maintaining a first and a second member of a structure in a fixed relationship. The locking device comprises a body for locating on or within the first member of the structure such that, in use, a part of the body protrudes into the second member of the structure. The pyrotechnic compound is located on or within the body and a channel is located in the interior of the body and runs between the pyrotechnic compound and an exterior surface of the part of the body that, in use, protrudes into a recess in the second member of the structure. When the pyrotechnic compound is ignited the combustion gases travel along the channel into the recess of the second member of the structure, and the resultant gas pressure forces the body out of the recess thereby releasing the second member of the structure.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a pyrotechnic actuator for retracting a hinge pin of a vehicle hood. The pyrotechnic actuator includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and further includes a first end defining an opening. The pyrotechnic actuator additionally includes a piston disposed in the housing for movement along the longitudinal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston carries the pin. The pin at least partially extends from the housing in the extended position. The piston includes a base portion defining a combustion chamber. The pyrotechnic actuator further includes a pyrotechnic charge disposed in the combustion chamber for producing a combustion gas operative to move the piston from the extended position to the retracted position. The combustion chamber is defined by a thin walled member that is sealed to contain the ballistic event.

Abstract: A parachute release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. A parachute release mechanism is coupled to a suspension strap routed through a strap sleeve. The parachute release mechanism is configured to provide near-simultaneous separation of the suspension straps from the payload via operation of a rotatable hinge pin. The strap sleeve reduces the possibility of the suspension strap becoming entangled with the payload. With this system and method, larger payloads may be supported and/or the mass of the parachute release system may be reduced.

Abstract: A powder-actuated fastener-driving tool includes a barrel unit inserted movably into a housing, a holder disposed movably in the housing, abutting against the barrel unit and having a through hole defined by an inner annular surface, and a spring-loaded firing pin disposed fixedly in the housing, having a free end portion extending into the through hole in the holder, and movable among normal and standby positions, where the firing pin is inclined due to engagement between the free end portion thereof and the shoulder portion of the holder, and a firing position. When a trigger unit mounted on the housing is operated to switch the firing pin from the standby position to the firing position, the free end portion of the firing pin disengages the shoulder portion of the holder to move frontwardly to thereby contact and ignite gunpowder in a chamber in a rear end portion of the barrel unit.

Abstract: An electric pulse generator includes a driver having an outer surface, a receiver, and one or more piezoelectric elements disposed between and in electrical contact with the driver and the receiver. The electric pulse generator further includes an explosive material disposed on the outer surface of the driver. A method of making an electrical pulse generator includes providing one or more piezoelectric elements, a driver, a receiver, and an explosive material and operably associating the explosive material with an outer surface of the driver. The method further includes electrically coupling the one or more piezoelectric elements between the driver and the receiver.

Abstract: A jettisonable nosecone (10) for a missile is specified, which nosecone (10) is longitudinally split into at least two parts (15, 16) and is held together by detachable connecting structures, in which case the connecting structures are designed to actively move the at least two parts (15, 16) away from one another when released. A missile having a correspondingly designed nosecone (10) is also provided. A nosecone (10) of this type allows simple jettisoning during every flight phase of the missile, and is also suitable for retrofitting to an already existing missile.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: An aircraft has a flight termination system that allows flight of an unmanned aircraft to be quickly and efficiently terminated. The flight termination system separates one of the control surfaces of the aircraft, such as a wing, from a fuselage of the aircraft, while one or more other control surfaces connected to the fuselage. The separation may be accomplished by firing one or more explosive bolts to release a clamp that connects the control surface to the fuselage. The separation causes an asymmetry in configuration that results in a rapid crash of the aircraft. The flight termination system causes termination to be effected in small flight footprint, without use of powerful explosives, and without a large cost in weight or volume. The flight termination system may be used in unpowered or powered aircraft.

Abstract: A non-frangible releasable coupling device as described herein includes an explosive element that, when detonated, bends a load carrying element in a manner that releases the coupled components from each other. Before detonation, the load carrying element is under axial compressive stress imparted by the components. Upon detonation, the explosive element causes the load carrying element to bend into a retraction cavity formed in one of the components, thus allowing the components to displace relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid from a container using a conventional shaped charge such as those used in well perforation; the charge being spaced from the container wall, and producing an explosive jet, the explosive jet directed by a diffuser disk to provide a vent or drain.

Abstract: Stabilizing and directional-control surface of an aircraft, said surface comprising a vertical stabilizer (2) and a rudder (3), it being possible for said rudder (3) to be deflected relative to the vertical stabilizer (2), and moreover the rudder (3) comprises an internal profile (10) that can be extended and retracted by means of an actuating system (40) relative to the rest of the structure of the rudder (3), so that the stabilizing and control surface, in the retracted position of the internal profile (10) of the rudder (3), is an excellent aerodynamic surface in normal flying conditions, and at the same time increase of the aerodynamic control surface of the vertical stabilizer (2) is achieved for requirements of controllability of the aircraft at low speeds of said aircraft and against strong yawing moments acting thereon, in the position in which the internal profile (10) of the rudder (3) is extended, and moreover the structure of the rudder (3) can be opened, to permit extension of the internal profil

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator for an active bonnet is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cylinder, a piston which can be displaced in the cylinder under the influence of a propellant gas and a first gas generator for producing the propellant gas. The actuator includes, but is not limited to at least one further gas generator, which can be ignited independently of the first gas generator.

Abstract: The present invention enables the passive initiation of a deployment sequence for a countermeasure payload. The invention comprises an initiator coil that is positioned inside an electromagnetic countermeasure launcher. When the electromagnetic countermeasure launcher electromagnetically generates propulsive force to propel a payload to its deployment position, inductive coupling between one or more propulsion coils of the launcher and the initiator coil induces current to flow in the initiator coil, which thereby initiates the deployment sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus has power semiconductor modules, which are connected to one another via connection devices so as to form a series circuit. A short-circuiting device for short-circuiting the respective power semiconductor module is assigned to each power semiconductor module. The apparatus has a reliable and at the same time cost-effective short-circuiting device. It is proposed that the short-circuiting device is a pyrotechnical/mechanical element, which has a detonation charge and a tripping device, which can be displaced by the detonation charge.

Abstract: An elongate explosive charge element (25), said explosive charge element (25) including a flexible frangible cutting sheet (26) and an explosive agent (27) said charge element (25) adapted to the penetration of a barrier structure.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically-ruptureable composite structural component, intended to transmit forces between first and second structural elements, has an elongate pyrotechnic detonation separation component incorporated in the structural component for breaking the structural component and separating the first and second elements. The structural component has a first part in which the pyrotechnic separation component is incorporated and which is able to be connected to the first element, and a second part that connects to the second element. The first and second parts are rigidly assembled via their free ends, which are the opposite ends to the first and second elements respectively. The rigid assembly has a damper arranged between the free ends of the first and second elements so as to damp a detonation shock propagating to the free end of the first part when the pyrotechnic separation component is detonated.

Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.

Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic release unit has a generally tubular casing having an open rear end and an open front end and adapted to be secured to one of a pair of separable vehicle parts, a pin releasably retained in the front end of the housing and adapted to be secured to the other of the pair of separable vehicle parts, a support plug fittable through the rear end into the housing and carrying a pyrotechnic charge turned toward the front end, and a latch element bearing rearward on the casing and forward on the support plug and sufficiently strong that on explosion of the charge the support plug remains fixed in the casing and the pin is blown out of the front end of the casing.

Abstract: A separating device is integrated in ammunition, with which a line is separated at the earliest possible time during a firing process. The separating device is composed mainly of a piston, which preferably has a sharp edge, is guided in a rigidly mounted cylinder, and, in the unloaded state, is positioned by a shear flange. The cable is preferably securely supported in a protective tube which is connected with a propellant charge primer, and in which the cable is guided as far as the tip of the propellant charge primer and is then further guided to the rear end of the projectile. In the upper area of the cylinder, the cable is guided through a bore, which preferably lies transversely to the direction of acceleration of the piston, so that when the piston moves forward, the cable is separated by the sharp edge of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator, containing: a housing, a piston slidable inside the housing, an igniter disposed within the housing and causing the piston to slide, the piston including a piston head having a pressure-receiving surface with which a combustion product, produced by actuation of the igniter, collides, a piston rod extending from the piston head and further, a resin portion provided at least in a part of the piston, the resin portion being disposed in contact with a member including the housing, the piston being fixed by contacting the resin portion to the member including the housing, and the piston being prevented from moving before activation of the igniter.

Abstract: A tactical utility pole system for use by law enforcement is described. Embodiments of the system are user configurable depending on a particular tactical need. Variations are described for breaching a locked door, breaching a closed window and delivering and nearly instantaneously detonating a distraction within the associated structure, breaching a closed window and delivering a stream of OC or other chemical spray within the associated structure, and breaching a closed window and delivering a chemical grenade within the structure. Other variations are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuator including: a cylinder connected to an ignition device; a piston slidably accommodated inside the cylinder, the piston having, in a desired section in the length direction, an enlarged diameter portion in which an outer diameter is enlarged; a cylindrical stopper attached to an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, the stopper including, a main body portion which is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a nail portion which inwardly projects from the main body portion and is formed of an elastic material, wherein before activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in an axial direction by causing the nail portion to contact a part of the enlarged diameter portion, after activation of the ignition device, the piston is inhibited from moving in a backward direction by causing the nail portion to contact another part of the enlarged diameter portion.

Abstract: A separable structure includes composite material that is separated or severed by a reactive pyrotechnic material. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a pair of composite laminate structural portions, each including multiple layers of composite material. The portions each extend into an overlap region, within which the composite layers of the two structural portions may be alternately placed, overlapping one another. A reactive material is also placed within this overlap region, for instance being in layers between pairs of the composite material layers. The reactive material may be ignited to cause destruction of the pyrotechnic material, and a matrix or resin material of the composite materials layers in the overlap region. This causes the structure to sever or separate along a line of separation within the overlap region. The separation may occur without need to sever fibers of the composite material.

Abstract: An explosion-driven setting tool includes a setting mechanism (12) driven by a propellant (23), an ignition unit (18) for igniting the propellant (23), a receptacle (15) for receiving a propellant holder (20), a data communication interface (31) for receiving and transmitting data of the propellant holder (20), and a data processing unit (30) for receiving data transmitted by the data communication interface (31) and connected with a display (50) for displaying the propellant supply level (27) of the propellant (23) in the propellant holder having a housing (21) with an interior space (22) for receiving the propellant (23), and a data storage identification unit (40) in which the propellant supply level (27) is stored for being read-out.

Abstract: A system for enabling the safe landing of an aircraft during an in-flight emergency is provided. The system includes a plurality of onboard devices for releasably securing a plurality of wings to a fuselage, and a non-electric module for activating said onboard devices. Said onboard devices are released to separate said wings from the fuselage.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.

Abstract: Modular breaching apparatus including a plurality of breaching elements, each breaching element being formed with a groove for receiving therein a flexible explosive element capable of producing an explosive force sufficient for breaching a structure, wherein each breaching element includes a receptacle for placing therein a detonator, an attachment device for attaching to a structure.

Abstract: A powder operated tool including a frame, a tool body and a reusable combined cartridge holder and ram rear end receiver. The frame includes an anvil section. The tool body is adjustably connected to the frame. The tool body comprises a ram, and a breech assembly connected to a rear end of the tool body. The breech assembly includes a striker, a breech pad and a firing pin. The reusable combined cartridge holder and ram rear end receiver is removably connected to the tool body.

Abstract: A explosive device is disclosed for collapsing an expansion-fit metal tube from within a hole of a metal plate of a boiler or the like. The device includes a connecting rod inserted into the tube and extending outwardly from top and bottom ends of the tube. The portion of the connecting rod extending out of the top end of the tube is encapsulated by a blast chamber containing an explosive charge. The portion of the connecting rod extending out of the bottom end of the tube is secured via a retaining plate held by a washer and nut threaded to the connecting rod.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of disruptor all have a container with an enclosure for explosive material with a wall which can he located in any one of a number of different positions using one or more tubular spacers (12) optionally of various sizes thereby to provide a wide range of capacity of enclosure and hence explosive material.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of pyrotechnic actuators comprising a piston, the basic function of which is to exert a thrust so as to displace an object by shooting out the piston. More particularly, the invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) comprising a pyrotechnic-gas generator (7), a combustion chamber (3) and a piston (9) which can move in a slide chamber (5) under the effect of the said gases. The principal characteristic of this actuator is that it comprises a shut-off device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) used after the triggering of the said actuator (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) in order, on the one hand, to close the slide chamber (5) and, on the other hand, to secure the depressurization of the combustion chamber (3).

Abstract: A KE rod warhead for artillery rockets contains a multiplicity of KE rod penetrators housed in trays and packaged into bays or tier packs that are stacked and positioned around a center column of the warhead. The warhead has a skin which is severed upon the rocket entering a target area. The KE rods are situated and housed in such a manner that upon release the rods experience a minimum of pitching or tumbling upon entering the air stream giving the rods an optimal lethality against a designated target. The KE rod artillery rocket contains no explosive munitions, so it can be used without civilian and environmental concerns over unexploded ordnance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a low shock separation joint. The separation joint comprises a male member, a female member, and an explosive device. At least one projection is formed on the male and female members. Surfaces of the at least one projection on the male and female members are mated to one another to prevent separation under compressive and tensile forces. The explosive device is placed within a cavity of the female member. A method for reducing shock in a separation joint is provided. An explosive device in the female member of the separation joint is detonated. A volume increase of the explosive device bends flanges of the female member away from one another. Surfaces in intimate contact with one another are moved out of contact with one another to decouple the male member from the female member.