U.S. patent application number 14/606222 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for structure for shaping and applying a propagating shock wave to an area of an explosive load to increase an energetic shock impact effect on a target.
The applicant listed for this patent is The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. Invention is credited to Eric Scheid, Jaime Villamil.
Application Number | 20160216085 14/606222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56432542 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160216085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scheid; Eric ; et
al. |
July 28, 2016 |
Structure for Shaping and Applying a Propagating Shock Wave to an
Area of an Explosive Load to Increase an Energetic Shock Impact
Effect on a Target
Abstract
Various embodiments including an improved shaped demolition
charge apparatus and methods associated with the invention are
provided in a cylindrical dynamic access structure ("CDAS"), which
can include a wave shaper, a main charge, and a booster disk. An
exemplary embodiment comprises a waver shaper, and a main charge,
which can be plastic, bonded explosive. A wave shaper can comprise
of two-layered structure in which a void is formed. A wave shaper
can be disposed between a booster disk and a main charge such that
the booster disk is only in contact with the main charge along an
outer edge of the booster disk. A wave shaper directs or channels a
shock wave from the booster disk to an outer portion of the main
charge. A container can be formed or adapted around a cover,
booster disk, main charge, and wave shaper.
Inventors: |
Scheid; Eric; (Bloomington,
IN) ; Villamil; Jaime; (Fayetteville, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of the
Navy |
Crane |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56432542 |
Appl. No.: |
14/606222 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 3/22 20130101; F42B
1/024 20130101; F42B 1/02 20130101; F42B 1/036 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 1/02 20060101
F42B001/02; F42B 1/036 20060101 F42B001/036 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] The invention described herein includes contributions by one
or more employees of the Department of the Navy made in performance
of official duties and may be manufactured, used and licensed by or
for the United States Government for any governmental purpose
without payment of any royalties thereon. This invention (Navy Case
101,477) is assigned to the United States Government and is
available for licensing for commercial purposes. Licensing and
technical inquiries may be directed to the Technology Transfer
Office, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, email:
Cran_CTO@navy.mil.
Claims
1. An explosive device comprising: a detonator; a primer; a cover
comprising a priming well at a center section of said cover adapted
to removably receive said detonator, and said primer; a booster
disk adapted to generate a first shock wave based on firing said
detonator; a main charge adapted to generate an explosive force
based on said first shock wave; a wave shaper structure comprising
a first and second layer structure operable for channeling said
first shock wave, said wave shaper is disposed between said booster
disk and said main charge, wherein said wave shaper structure is
operable to direct or channel said first shock wave from the
booster disk to an outer portion of said main charge; and a
container formed or adapted for enclosing or coupling with said
cover, said booster disk, said wave shaper, and said main
charge.
2. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said main
charge comprises a plastic bonded explosive.
3. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
booster disk comprises a booster explosive.
4. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cover
removably receives a detonator or initiator at a first location in
a center section.
5. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
priming well is formed to accept a flexible charge primer.
6. An explosive device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
plastic bonded explosive comprises PBXN-110.
7. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
container comprises a polycarbonate material.
8. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
container is 6 to 18 inches in diameter and 5 to 20 inches in
height.
9. An explosive device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first
shock wave simultaneously or near simultaneously detonates said
main charge at said outer portion of said main charge.
10. An explosive device comprising a charge and a means operable
for enabling detonation of a booster disk that results in the
subsequent detonation of the charge simultaneously along a ring at
an outer edge of said booster disk.
11. A method for making an explosive device comprising the steps
of: placing a primer into a center portion of a priming well,
wherein said priming well is adapted to removably receive a
detonator; aligning and connecting said priming well at a center
section of a cover; connecting a container to said cover, wherein
said container can be a plurality of containers placed on each
other; placing a booster disk adjacent to said priming well and
said cover; forming a wave shaper, wherein said wave shaper
comprises a first and second structure wherein a void is formed;
placing said wave shaper adjacent to said booster disk; adapting a
main charge wherein said main charge is placed within the container
adjacent to said booster disk, and disposed around said wave
shaper; and connecting a base to said container and adjacent to
said main charge.
12. A method of manufacturing an improved explosive comprising
providing a container and disposing a main charge therein wherein
the main charge has a recess formed by a cavity so as to form walls
of the main charge surrounding the cavity; providing an explosive
booster disk operable to generate a first shock wave operable to
detonate said main charge; forming a shock wave shaper
substantially in a shape of the cavity and formed with an air gap
within said shock wave shaper, said shock wave shaper formed to
channel said first shock wave along a surface of said wave shaper
towards said walls of the main charge surrounding the cavity;
disposing the wave shaper within the main charge cavity so it is
surrounded and flush with the main charge's cavity walls; placing
said booster disk above the wave shaper and main charge within the
container so that the booster disk is in contact with the wave
shaper and main charge's cavity walls; attaching a cover with a
detonator well to the container above the booster disk; and
coupling a base to a side of the container opposing the cover.
13. A method as in claim 12, further comprising providing and
inserting a detonator into the detonator well.
14. A method of manufacturing an explosive device comprising:
providing a detonator; providing a primer; providing a cover
comprising a priming well at a center section of said cover adapted
to removably receive said detonator, and said primer; providing a
booster disk adapted to generate a first shock wave based on firing
said detonator; providing a main charge adapted to generate an
explosive force based on said first shock wave; providing a wave
shaper structure comprising a first and second layer structure
operable for channeling said first shock wave, said wave shaper is
disposed between said booster disk and said main charge, wherein
said wave shaper structure is operable to direct or channel said
first shock wave from the booster disk to an outer portion of said
main charge; and providing a container formed or adapted for
enclosing or coupling with said cover, said booster disk, said wave
shaper, and said main charge.
15. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said main charge
comprises a plastic bonded explosive.
16. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said booster disk
comprises a booster explosive.
17. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said cover removably
receives a detonator or initiator at a first location in a center
section.
18. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said priming well is
formed to accept a flexible charge primer.
19. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein said plastic bonded
explosive comprises PBXN-110.
20. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said container
comprises a polycarbonate material.
21. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said first shock
wave simultaneously or near simultaneously detonates said main
charge at said outer portion of said main charge.
22. An explosive device comprising a container and an explosive
means operable for channeling of a booster disk detonation shock
wave so as to detonate a main charge within the explosive means
simultaneously along a ring or an outer edge of said booster disk
in contact or proximity to outer sections of the main charge so as
to result in reflection or direction of detonation of the main
charge from an outer ring area of the main charge inwards towards a
center of the main charge.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aspects disclosed herein relate to the field of explosive
devices. In particular, one embodiment can include a cylindrical
dynamic access structure with a plastic bonded explosive
material.
[0003] Typical bulk explosive charge includes generic containers or
other simple configurations consisting primarily of packaged or
hand packed explosive, e.g., C4 or TNT. The performance of these
devices is inefficient both in how they are initiated and how the
shock wave progresses through the explosive in such a device.
Therefore, more explosive materials are required by these devices
than would otherwise be necessary with a more optimal design.
Furthermore, some of these bulk explosive designs have safety
issues that can be improved.
[0004] An apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention provides a demolition charge with enhanced capabilities
beyond those of traditional bulk charges. A cylindrical dynamic
access structure ("CDAS") with plastic bonded explosive combines an
optimized shock wave of the CDAS design with a high performance
precision explosive. A charge that combines a CDAS design and
plastic bonded explosive according to an embodiment of the
invention can perform, for example, twenty percent to thirty
percent more effectively than traditional C4 bulk charges.
[0005] One advantage of an exemplary embodiment is an ability to
produce increased output from a charge mass than a bulk charge
could produce with a similar charge mass and a detonator without an
embodiment of the invention. Additionally, increased effectiveness
of an exemplary embodiment allows a bulk charge having less mass
than bulk charges without an embodiment of the invention.
[0006] Another advantage of an embodiment of the invention is an
ability to produce a more energetic shock impact on the target than
provided by traditional bulk charges. Traditionally charges have
less optimal shock front impacts in the form of point contact or
shock fronts directed parallel to the charge. For example, an
exemplary embodiment provides an impact that is cylindrical. This
cylindrical loading has at least two advantages. First, the
cylindrical loading provided by the CDAS results in an intense load
applied simultaneously over a greater area. Second, cylindrical
loading provided by the exemplary CDAS results in further
amplification of energy in a form of colliding shocks developed as
a shock wave expands towards the center of the cylinder.
[0007] In one embodiment, a combination of the CDAS design and
plastic bonded explosive load amplifies the effectiveness of the
hardware design. Plastic bonded explosive is more energetic than
hand loaded explosives such as, for example, C4. Also, a production
loaded explosive, e.g., plastic bonded explosive, is more uniform
and more dense, which provides a more uniform and energetic
detonation.
[0008] An apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention provides additional advantages as well. Such an
apparatus, for example, provides the user with a factory loaded
charge, thus eliminating the need to hand-build traditional
demolition charges. This saves the user time and improves safety by
reducing direct exposure to explosive chemicals and the risks
associated with hand-forming energetic materials. Also, the CDAS
can incorporate a priming or detonator well placed through a cover,
e.g., a center of the cover, of the CDAS outer shell allowing for
easy installation and removal of detonators or primers with various
diameters without the need for additional adapters for a detonator
or primer and also providing for quick installation or removal of
the detonator or primer.
[0009] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration
of the following detailed description of the illustrative
embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention
as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers
to the accompanying figures in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective external view of an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment;
and
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating one method of
manufacturing an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The embodiments of the invention described herein are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise
forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description
have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
invention.
[0016] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a CDAS with plastic bonded
explosives is shown generally at 10. Embodiments comprise a base
plate 12, which supports a container 14, and a main charge 24 (not
shown). In certain embodiments a container 14 can have a plurality
of containers stacked on top of each other to form varying heights.
One embodiment can include, for example, a polycarbonate container
14. A container 14 can surround a main charge 24 (not shown). A
container 14 can support a cover 16. A primer well 18 can be
disposed on the center of cover 16. A primer well 18 can support an
adapter 28, which can receive various types of detonators, such as,
for example, safety fuse, shock tube detonator, electrical
detonators, electronic detonators, or the like. An exemplary
diameter of the CDAS can be, e.g., 12 inches across, e.g., at the
top plate 16, at the base plate 12, or at some height of the CDAS.
Height of the exemplary CDAS, e.g., from the base plate 12 to the
top plate 16, can be, e.g., 7 inches. Weight of this embodiment can
be, e.g., 40 pounds. A charge design is not limited to a fixed
diameter, height, or weight and can be scaled for various
applications. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be
placed on a target structure, e.g., by hand, with the base plate 12
substantially adjacent to the target structure.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment is shown. One exemplary embodiment of the invention
includes a main charge 24 which can be formed adjacent to an entire
inner surface of base plate 12 and container 14. A main charge 24
can comprise a plastic bonded explosive, e.g., PBXN-110. PBXN-110
is a factory-loaded, precision-loaded explosive. A PBXN-110 main
charge composition can be comprised of, e.g., 86 to 88 percent HMX,
and 12 to 14 percent binder by weight. The exemplary embodiment of
the main charge can comprise of explosives other than PBXN-110, or
in any explosive combination with PBXN-110. A booster disk 30 in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 comprises a disk of explosive
booster material positioned at the top of the main charge 24 and
the wave shaper 20. One side of booster disk 30 is positioned
adjacent to top plate 16, while the other side of booster disk 30
is positioned adjacent to wave shaper 20 and main charge 24. The
wave shaper 20 prevents contact between booster disk 30 and main
charge 24 except for a ring that contacts the outer diameter of
booster disk 30. In embodiments the wave shaper 20 separates the
shock from the booster 30 from the main charge 24 and manipulates
or shapes the shock wave from the booster hits or initiates the
main charge 24. In certain embodiments a wave shaper 20 can have a
first piece and a second piece, which can be connected to form a
void 32. A wave shaper 20 can comprise one or more pieces. In the
exemplary embodiment the wave shaper 20 can be plastic. In certain
embodiments the waver shaper 20 can be steel, aluminum, brass,
PTFE, or the like. A void 32 can be formed by and enclosed within
the wave shaper 20 as shown in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments the
void 32 can be air, gases, or the like. In exemplary embodiments
the wave shaper 20 forms the air void 32 within the CDAS. The wave
shaper 20 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, it can be any
shape that achieves effects in accordance with embodiments of the
invention for example, rectangular, spherical, and the like.
[0018] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 does not comprise a
means of initiation and requires a user-installed blasting cap or
similar detonator. Embodiments disclosed herein include a flexible
charge primer 26, which allows for high velocity, high-energy
detonations. In embodiments a flexible charge primer 26 has a
center hole for a detonator to be placed in contact with a booster
30. A flexible charge primer 26 can comprise of, e.g., Detaprime.
Detaprime is a compact, high-detonation pressure primer.
Alternative embodiments can comprise a pre-installed means of
initiation. In an exemplary embodiment, upon initiation of a
user-installed detonator, the booster disk detonates in an
expanding circular shock wave across the top of the CDAS, between a
top plate 16 and a wave shaper 20. When this expanding circular
shock wave reaches the edge of booster disk 30, it contacts and
detonates a main charge 24. This detonation of the main charge 24
occurs substantially simultaneously in a ring around the booster
disk 30, where the booster disk 30 is in contact with main charge
24. This simultaneous ring of detonation at the top portion of main
charge 24 results in a cylindrical shaped shock front progressing
through the main charge toward the base plate 12. This exemplary
cylindrical shock pattern produces an intense load applied
simultaneously over a great area and involves amplification of the
energy in the form of colliding shocks developed as the shock wave
expands towards the center of the CDAS.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded diagram view of an
exemplary embodiment is shown. This view shows a detonator adapter
28, a flexible charge primer 26 (not shown), a primer well 18, a
top plate 16, a booster disk 30, a wave shaper 20, and a main
charge 24, in order from top to bottom, exploded out of a container
14 and away from base plate 12. The wave shaper 20 fits down into
the depression in the top of main charge 24 and booster disk 30
fits onto the top of wave shaper 20 and main charge 24 such that
booster disk 30 is in contact with main charge 24 along the outer
edge of booster disk 30, with wave shaper 20 preventing most of the
bottom of booster disk 30 from being in contact with main charge
24. When the components of this embodiment are collapsed back into
position, top plate 16 seals to a container 14 to enclose (from top
to bottom) booster disk 30, wave shaper 20, and the main charge 24
within the CDAS comprised of top plate 16, container 14, base plate
12, primer well 18, and adaptor 28.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating an
exemplary method associated with manufacturing an exemplary CDAS.
As a preliminary step to one variant of the exemplary method, an
exemplary process can include providing CDAS components such as
described herein. At step 50, providing a container and disposing a
main charge therein wherein the main charge has a recess formed by
a cavity so as to form walls of the main charge surrounding the
cavity. At step 52, forming a wave shaper substantially in a shape
of the cavity and disposing the wave shaper within the main charge
cavity so it is surrounded and flush with the main charge's cavity
walls. At step 54, placing a booster disk above the wave shaper and
main charge within the container so that the booster disk is in
contact with the wave shaper and main charge's cavity walls. At
step 56, attaching a cover with a detonator well to the container
above the booster disk. At step 58, providing and insert a
detonator into the detonator well. At step 60, coupling a base to a
side of the container opposing the cover.
[0021] Note that an exemplary embodiment can omit step 58 until a
time the CDAS is ready for use. An exemplary wave shaper can be
formed by either, for example, one piece or multiple pieces thereby
forming a void inside the wave shaper which can have for example,
air, gas, or the like within it. An exemplary main charge can be
adapted so that it can be inserted into the container, leaving an
open area for a wave shaper and an enclosed area between the inner
wall of the container, and the outer wall of the wave shaper, which
allows the outer area of the main charge to be in contact with a
booster disk. An exemplary main charge can be placed so that it is
adjacent to and touches the outer area of a booster disk, surrounds
the waver shaper, and also in lateral contact with an inner wall of
a container. An exemplary base can be placed adjacent to a main
charge and connected to a container.
[0022] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *