An Investigation into an Alternative Fragment Projector for Insensitive Munitions Qualification.
Abstract
The report describes numerical modelling and experimental testing aimed at producing an explosively formed projectile (EFP) that approximates to a right cylinder (where L/D = 1) with a velocity of about 2.5 km/s for consideration as an alternative to the 12.7 mm steel cubes used in the Fragmat Insensitive Munition test. A large number of EFP designs were modelled using the PC-DYNA2D computer hydrocode and short listed candidates were fabricated for experimental verification. Multiple flash radiography was used to determine the shape, size and velocity of the projectiles, and the results showed varying degrees of correlation with the predictions. Further refinement of one of the designs using numerical modelling led to the development of a near right cylinder, flat faced projectile travelling at approximately 2.25 km/s. The flight path of these projectiles were shown to be highly directional. Experimental results demonstrated that a cluster of EFF charges separated by a thin layer of foam could be used to produce a multi-fragment projector and our data base suggests that the required velocity of 2.5 km/s could be achieved with a Composition B explosive filling. With a relatively small explosive content (0.84 kg for a 3 projectile device compared to 20.9 kg for Fragmat) and a high hit probability the EFP device offers the opportunity of overcoming the two major shortcomings of the Fragmat test vehicle. This assumes that a projectile of the right cylinder form, is an acceptable alternative to the cubical projectiles generated by Fragmat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326730
Entities
People
- C. Lam
- D. Mcqueen
- T. Liersch
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group