Patent ID: 7886667
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: B33Y,F42B

Abstract:
1. A cylindrical warhead with controlled fragmentation, comprising: a cylindrical liner of plastic material that is formed in a predetermined pattern; a cylindrical body that houses the liner; a cylindrical explosive charge that is disposed within an interior surface of the liner; wherein the liner pattern includes a plurality of gaps and a plurality of liner elements, and wherein the gaps are interposed among the liner elements; wherein the explosive charge includes a first set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner gaps and a second set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner elements; wherein upon detonation of the explosive charge, the detonation energy of the first set of sections generates a first force that is transferred directly to the interior of the body; wherein upon detonation of the explosive charge, the detonation energy of the second set of sections generates a second force that is transferred to, and dampened by the liner elements, and is transferred therefrom, after a predetermined temporal delay, to the interior of the body; and wherein a temporal delay between the first force and the second force and further wherein the dampening by the liner elements, cause the first set of sections and the second set of sections to create a pattern of localized transitional regions of intense stretching with high gradients of pressures, velocities, strains, strain rates, and yield strengths that are generated on the body in different directions, so as to cause the body to shear and break into fragments with controlled size; and wherein, in the event of unwanted heat or pressures of launch, the liner plastic melts and flows acting to seal the explosive from catastrophic fratricide, and further the melted plastic also flows to exit the warhead to eliminate pressure within the body.