GB2433579A - Means for stabilizing a projectile during flight - Google Patents
Means for stabilizing a projectile during flight Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2433579A GB2433579A GB0705042A GB0705042A GB2433579A GB 2433579 A GB2433579 A GB 2433579A GB 0705042 A GB0705042 A GB 0705042A GB 0705042 A GB0705042 A GB 0705042A GB 2433579 A GB2433579 A GB 2433579A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- reactive material
- projectile
- tip
- housing
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 title claims 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 132
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000013467 fragmentation Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000006062 fragmentation reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004811 fluoropolymer Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002313 fluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3-dinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC([N+]([O-])=O)=C1[N+]([O-])=O DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C1[N+]([O-])=O SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- BRUFJXUJQKYQHA-UHFFFAOYSA-O ammonium dinitramide Chemical compound [NH4+].[O-][N+](=O)[N-][N+]([O-])=O BRUFJXUJQKYQHA-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000015 trinitrotoluene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 4
- JKQOBWVOAYFWKG-UHFFFAOYSA-N molybdenum trioxide Chemical compound O=[Mo](=O)=O JKQOBWVOAYFWKG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005474 detonation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-Difluoroethene Chemical compound FC(F)=C BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- DMYOHQBLOZMDLP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-[2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperidin-1-ylpropoxy)phenyl]-3-phenylpropan-1-one Chemical compound C1CCCCN1CC(O)COC1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)CCC1=CC=CC=C1 DMYOHQBLOZMDLP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QPLDLSVMHZLSFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper oxide Chemical compound [Cu]=O QPLDLSVMHZLSFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron oxide Chemical compound [Fe]=O UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Palladium Chemical compound [Pd] KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920001079 Thiokol (polymer) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- HCDGVLDPFQMKDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexafluoropropylene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)C(F)(F)F HCDGVLDPFQMKDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052738 indium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- APFVFJFRJDLVQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N indium atom Chemical compound [In] APFVFJFRJDLVQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NUJOXMJBOLGQSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N manganese dioxide Chemical compound O=[Mn]=O NUJOXMJBOLGQSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KJFMBFZCATUALV-UHFFFAOYSA-N phenolphthalein Chemical compound C1=CC(O)=CC=C1C1(C=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)C2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)O1 KJFMBFZCATUALV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium nitrate Chemical compound [K+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 2
- DHEQXMRUPNDRPG-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium nitrate Chemical compound [Sr+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O DHEQXMRUPNDRPG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoroethene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)F BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 2
- PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC(Br)=C1F PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000975 Carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZZSNKZQZMQGXPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl cellulose Chemical compound CCOCC1OC(OC)C(OCC)C(OCC)C1OC1C(O)C(O)C(OC)C(CO)O1 ZZSNKZQZMQGXPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001856 Ethyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001051 Magnalium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tetrahydrofuran Chemical group C1CCOC1 WYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001241 acetals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000008186 active pharmaceutical agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052787 antimony Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N antimony atom Chemical compound [Sb] WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium atom Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010962 carbon steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006217 cellulose acetate butyrate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XTVVROIMIGLXTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(II) nitrate Chemical compound [Cu+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O XTVVROIMIGLXTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960004643 cupric oxide Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000001066 destructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000003700 epoxy group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229920001249 ethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019325 ethyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003721 gunpowder Substances 0.000 description 1
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011344 liquid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001960 metal nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004972 metal peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- CJJMLLCUQDSZIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxobismuth Chemical class [Bi]=O CJJMLLCUQDSZIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VVRQVWSVLMGPRN-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxotungsten Chemical class [W]=O VVRQVWSVLMGPRN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052763 palladium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000010333 potassium nitrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004323 potassium nitrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035484 reaction time Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008247 solid mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052715 tantalum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N tantalum atom Chemical compound [Ta] GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001897 terpolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011135 tin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001930 tungsten oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B10/00—Means for influencing, e.g. improving, the aerodynamic properties of projectiles or missiles; Arrangements on projectiles or missiles for stabilising, steering, range-reducing, range-increasing or fall-retarding
- F42B10/02—Stabilising arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/04—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of armour-piercing type
- F42B12/08—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of armour-piercing type with armour-piercing caps; with armoured cupola
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/20—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type
- F42B12/207—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type characterised by the explosive material or the construction of the high explosive warhead, e.g. insensitive ammunition
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/20—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type
- F42B12/22—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type with fragmentation-hull construction
- F42B12/24—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type with fragmentation-hull construction with grooves, recesses or other wall weakenings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
- F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
- F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
- F42B12/44—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of incendiary type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C1/00—Impact fuzes, i.e. fuzes actuated only by ammunition impact
- F42C1/10—Impact fuzes, i.e. fuzes actuated only by ammunition impact without firing-pin
- F42C1/12—Impact fuzes, i.e. fuzes actuated only by ammunition impact without firing-pin with delayed action after ignition of fuze
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C9/00—Time fuzes; Combined time and percussion or pressure-actuated fuzes; Fuzes for timed self-destruction of ammunition
- F42C9/02—Time fuzes; Combined time and percussion or pressure-actuated fuzes; Fuzes for timed self-destruction of ammunition the timing being caused by mechanical means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Drilling And Exploitation, And Mining Machines And Methods (AREA)
Abstract
A projectile 102 is disclosed comprising a rear housing portion 110 defining a cavity 112, the cavity 112 being open at the forward end of the rear housing portion 110. A reactive material 114 is disposed within the cavity 112 which is closed by a tip 116 at its forward end. The interior of the cavity 112 is formed with surface features such as recesses or flutes 126 which interact with the reactive material 114 in the cavity 112 to resist a change in the angular velocity of the reactive material 114 relative to the angular velocity of the housing 110.
Description
<p>I</p>
<p>S -I-</p>
<p>REACTIVE MATERIAL ENHANCED PROJECTILES</p>
<p>AND RELATED METHODS</p>
<p>STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST</p>
<p>The United States Government has certain rights in the present invention pursuant to Contract No. NOOl 78-01 -D-1 015 between the United States Navy and ATK Thiokol, a subsidiary of Alliant Techsystems Inc., and Contract No. DAAe3O-Ol -9-0800 between the United States Army and ATK Thiokol, a subsidiary of Alliant Techsystems Inc.</p>
<p>TECHNICAL FIELD</p>
<p>The present invention is related to reactive material enhanced projectiles and, more particularly, to projectiles including incendiary or explosive compositions, the projectiles having improved stabilization characteristics and control over the ignition of the composition.</p>
<p>BACKGROUND</p>
<p>There are numerous designs of projectiles containing incendiary or explosive compositions. Such projectiles are conventionally configured such that the incendiary or explosive composition becomes ignited upon, or shortly after, the projectile's contact with a target. Ignition of the incendiary or explosive composition is intended to inflict additional damage on the intended target. Aside from the additional damage that might result from the pressure of the explosion, the burning of the composition, or both, often, ignition of the incendiary or explosive composition is accompanied by fragmentation of the projectile casing thereby* providing additional shrapnel-like components which spread out to create a larger area of impact and destruction.</p>
<p>Some exemplary projectiles containing an incendiary or explosive composition are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,419,936 to Coates et al. The Coates patent generally discloses a ballistic projectile having one or more chambers containing a material which is explosive, hypergolic, incendiary or otherwise reactive or inert. The material may be a liquid, a semi-liquid, a slurry or of solid consistency. Initially, the material is hermetically sealed within a casing of the * -2-projectile but is released when the projectile impacts with a target and the projectile casing is concomitantly fragmented.</p>
<p>In many cases, projectiles containing an incendiary or explosive composition are designed to provide increased penetration of the projectile into a given target such as, for example, an armored vehicle. One such projectile is the MK2 11 annor piercing incendiary (API) a projectile which is configured for penetration of armor plating. However, the MK21 1 and similar projectiles have proven to be relatively ineffective against what may be termed thin-skinned targets. Thin-skinned targets may include, for example, liquid filled fuel tanks or other similar structures having a wall thickness of, for example, about 6 millimeters (mm) (about 0.25 inch) or less.</p>
<p>Use of conventional APIs or other projectiles configured for penetration of annored structures often fail to inflict any damage on thin-skinned targets other than the initial penetration opening. This is often because the projectiles are configured as penetrating structures with much of projectile being dedicated to penetrating rods or other similar structures. As such, these types of projectiles contain a relatively small amount of incendiary or explosive composition therein because the volume needed for larger amounts of such material is consumed by the penetrating structure.</p>
<p>Thus, containing relatively small amounts of incendiary or explosive materials, the resultant explosions or reactions are, similarly, relatively small. Additionally, because the incendiary or explosive composition is configured to ignite substantially simultaneously with the impact of the projectile and a target, the explosion or other reaction is often complete before it can inflict substantial additional damage to the target (such as ignition of leaking fuel from a fuel tank).</p>
<p>An exemplary projectile which is designed for discrimination between an armored-type target and a thin-skinned target includes that which is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 20030140811. The projectile disclosed by this publication includes one or more sensors, such as a piezoelectric crystal, which are configured to determine the rate of deceleration of the projectile upon impact with a target. The rate of deceleration of the projectile will differ depending on whether an armored-type target or a thin-skinned target is being struck. For example, the rate of deceleration of the projectile will be relatively greater (i.e., it will decelerate more quickly) if the projectile strikes an armored target than if it * .3-strikes a thin-skinned target. Upon detennining the rate of deceleration, a fuse will ignite an incendiary or explosive composition at an optimized time in order to effectively increase the damage to the specific target depending on what type of target is being impacted.</p>
<p>While the projectile disclosed in the US2003014081 1 publication reference provides an incendiary or explosive projectile which may provide some effectiveness against thin-skinned targets, the projectile disclosed thereby is a complex structure requiring numerous components and would likely be expensive and difficult to fabricate.</p>
<p>An additional problem with conventional incendiary or explosive projectiles is the ability to control the projectile's stability and accuracy. For example, considering the projectile disclosed by the above-described Coates patent wherein the incendiary/explosive material is in the form of a liquid, the liquid and suirounding casing will likely exhibit differing angular velocities at any given time, particularly when the casing is rapidly changing its angular velocity such as upon initial firing or upon initial impact of a target. The independent angular velocities of the liquid material and casing can affect the overall stability of the projectile during flight and, ultimately, affect the projectile's accuracy, particularly over long ranges.</p>
<p>Of course such discrepancy in angular velocities can occur when other incendiary or explosive compositions, including solid compositions, are housed within the projectile's casing.</p>
<p>In view of the shortcomings in the art, it would be advantageous to provide a projectile comprising a reactive material in the form of an incendiary, explosive or pyrotechnic composition wherein the projectile may be tailored for proper ignition of the reactive material contained therein depending on the nature of an intended target while maintaining a simple, robust and yet relatively inexpensive structural design. Additionally, it would be an advantage to provide an explosive or incendiary projectile which exhibits increased stability and accuracy.</p>
<p>DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION</p>
<p>In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a projectile is provided. The projectile includes a housing having a cavity defined therein, the cavity being open * -4.</p>
<p>at one end of the housing. A reactive material is disposed within the cavity. A tip is coupled with the housing and substantially closes the opening of the cavity. The housing, the reactive material and the tip are cooperatively positioned and configured to define a void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material.</p>
<p>The projectile may further include one or more recesses fonned within a * surface of the housing adjacent the cavity. The recesses, or other surface features * which may be used, provide added securement between the reactive composition.</p>
<p>and the housing in order to prevent slippage therebetween and differential angular momentum between the reactive composition and the tip and housing assembly upon firing of the projectile.</p>
<p>In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of timing the ignition of a reactive material disposed within a projectile is provided.</p>
<p>The projectile includes a housing, in which the reactive material is disposed, and a tip coupled with the housing. The method includes providing a defined distance, or standoff, between a directionally trailing surface of the tip and a directionally leading surface of the reactive material. When the projectile is impacted upon a target, the tip of the projectile is displaced rearwardly with respect to the housing such that the directionally trailing surface of the tip contacts the directionally leading surface of the reactive material. Kinetic energy from target impact is transfened to the reactive material through the displaced tip, causing the ignition thereof. The defined distance, or standoff, may be tailored depending for example, on the type of intended target (e.g., armored vs. thin-skinned) and the desired reaction initiation time delay for ignition of the reactive material after target impact.</p>
<p>In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a projectile is provided. The method includes providing a housing and defining a cavity within the housing including an opening at one end of the housing.</p>
<p>A mass of reactive material is disposed within the cavity. A tip is coupled to the housing to close the opening, and the tip, housing and reactive material are cooperatively positioned and configured so as to define a void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material.</p>
<p>In accordance a further aspect of the present invention, a method of time the ignition of a reactive material disposed within a projectile is provided wherein the projectile includes a housing and a tip coupled with the housing. The method includes forming a rear housing portion for the projectile with a cavity therein and an open, forward-facing mouth and a selected volume of reactive material is disposed within the cavity. A projectile tip is placed into the mouth of the cavity and secured to the rear housing portion with a rearward-ftcing surface of the projectile tip located a defined distance, the defined distance being selected to, at least in part, determine a time delay between impact of the projectile tip and a target and initiation of the reactive material by contact of the rearward-facing surface of the projectile tip therewith.</p>
<p>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</p>
<p>The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: FIG. I is a partial cross-sectional side view of a cartridge containing a projectile in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a projectile shown inFIG.1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the projectile shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the projectile as taken along the indicated lines in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the projectile shown in FIG. 2 during impact with a target; FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a frojectile in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a crosssectional view of a projectile in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. * -6-</p>
<p>BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, an assembled cartridge 100 having a projectile 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cartridge 100 includes a cartridge casing 104 containing, for example, gun powder or another appropriate propellant composition 106. An initiating or detonation device 108, commonly termed a primer, is in communication with, and configured to ignite, the propellant composition 106. The projectile 102 is coupled with the cartridge casing 104 such as, for example, by mechanically press-fitting the projectile 102 into an end of the casing 104.</p>
<p>Upon actuation of the detonation device 108, such as by a firing pin of a gun or other artillery weapon (none shown), the detonation device 108 ignites the propellant composition 106 causing the projectile 102 to be expelled from the casing 104 and from the barrel of a gun, or other weapon in which the cartridge 100 is housed, at a very high rate of speed. For example, in one embodiment, the cartridge 100 may be designed as a.50 caliber round (meaning that the cartridge is designed to be fired from a weapon having a bore diameter of approximately 0.50 inch or approximately 13 mm) wherein the projectile 102 may exhibit a muzzle velocity (the velocity of the projectile as it leaves the "muzzle" or barrel of a weapon) of approximately 760 to 915 meters per second (approximately 2, 500 to 3,000 feet per second).</p>
<p>Referring now to FIG. 2, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the projectile 102 is shown. The projectile 102 includes a rear housing portion 110 defining a cavity 112 therein, the cavity 112 being open at a forward end of the rear housing portion 110. An appropriate incendiary, explosive, pyrotechnic or other reactive material (hereinafter referred to as a reactive material 114 for purposes of convenience) is disposed within the cavity 112. A tip 116 includes a shaped, forward portion I 16A and an aft portion 116B which is sized and configured for coupling with the rear housing 110 of the projectile 102 to close the open end or mouth of the cavity 112. For example, the aft portion 116B of the tip 116 maybe sized to be press-fitted into the cavity 112 of the rear housing 110. Additionally, referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, the tip 116 may include a shoulder 118 which is configured to axially abut a surface of the rear housing 112, providing a positive stop between the tip 116 and rear housing 112 when the projectile 102 is initially assembled.</p>
<p>Still referring to FIG. 2, a void space 120, also referred to as an ullage, may be defined between the aft portion I 16B of the tip 116 and the reactive material 114.</p>
<p>The void space 120 may configured such that a specified distance D1 is defined between the directionally trailing surface 122 of the tip's aft portion 116B and the directionally leading surface 124 of the reactive material 114. As will be discussed in further detail hereinbelow, the void space 120 may be used to strategically define the amount of time delay between impact of the projectile 102 with a target and initiation of the reactive material 114.</p>
<p>In some embodiments, the cavity 112 formed in the rear housing portion 110 may include one or more grooves or flutes 126 along a lateral periphery thereof. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 a plurality of substantially longitudinally extending grooves 126 are formed in the interior surface of the rear housing portion 110 adjacent the cavity 112. The grooves 126 may be incorporated into the wall of the rear housing portion 110 surrounding the recess 112 to provide improved securement of the reactive material 112 within the cavity 112 and to reduce or, even prevent, slippage of the reactive material 114 relative to the rear housing 110 of the projectile 102 during travel thereof. In other embodiments, other surface discontinuities may be used including, for example, discrete recesses or indentations, protrusions, roughened surface finishes or a combination thereof.</p>
<p>In many cases, the projectile 102 is fired from a barrel or muzzle which has rifling grooves formed therein. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, rifling grooves impart a rotational motion to the projectile 102 during travel through the barrel which generally improves the accuracy of the projectile 102 after leaving the barrel. Thus, during flight of the projectile 102, there exists a possibility of slippage occurring between the interfacing surfaces of the rear housing portion 110 and the reactive material 114 contained within the cavity 112. If slippage does occur, the rear housing portion 110 will rotate at a first angular velocity and the reactive material 114 may rotate at a second angular velocity different from the first. Such a situation reduces the stability and accuracy of the projectile 102.</p>
<p>Additionally, the recesses or flutes 126 may be sized, positioned and configured to assist in the fragmentation of the projectile 102, more particularly the rear housing 110 thereof, upon impact of the projectile with a target and the ignition of the reactive material 114. For example, it may be desirable to enhance the fracturing of the rear housing 110 such that an explosion, resulting from ignition of the reactive material 114, occurs at a desired time and in a desired manner when the projectile 102 strikes a thin-skinned target such as a fuel tank. Thus, the number of grooves 126 or other surface features, as well as their size and location within the cavity 112, may be tailored according to the desired destructive effect to be provided by the projectile 102 taking into account the type of target the projectile is intended to strike.</p>
<p>Moreover, the size, shape and configuration of flutes 126 or other surface discontinujtjes may be specifically tailored to control the liming of the fragmentation of the projectile 102. For example, by providing a greater number the recesses or flutes 126 within the rear housing portion 110, or by providing the recesses or flutes with a relatively greater radial depth, allows for easier breach of the rear housing portion 110 by an ignited reactive material 114. Thus, with a relatively "weaker" delivery vehicle (i.e., the rear housing portion 110) due to a tailored number, size and shape of the recesses or flutes 126, there will be less resistance to the reaction provided by an ignited reactive material 114 and, therefore, a faster breach of the structure. On the other hand, a relatively fewer number of recesses or flutes 126, a recess or flute 126 with a lesser radial depth in the rear housing portion 110, or both, will provide a stronger delivery vehicle with more resistance to breach thereof by an ignited reactive material 114 and, therefore, a longer period of time to achieve such a breach. Thus, the tailoring of the recesses or flutes 126 (or other surface discontinuities) maybe employed for purposes of controlling fragmentation, for controlling the time of structural breach of the projectile 102 by an ignited reactive material 114, for stabilization and spin control of the projectile 102 during flight, or for a combination of such purposes.</p>
<p>Still referring to FIG. 2, in one exemplary embodiment, the rear housing portion 110 and the tip 116 may be formed of a material such as brass. While it is contemplated that other materials may also be used, brass may be used, for example, when the projectile is intended for thin-skinned targets because it takes less energy to deform the tip 116 of the projectile 102 upon impact of a target as compared to, for example, carbon steel. One particular embodiment may include the projectile 102 being formed as a.50 caliber round (as defined hereinabove). Such an embodiment may include, for example, four flutes 126 located approximately 90 from one another which exhibit a radial depth of approximately 0.015 inch (approximately 0.38 mm) and a circumferential width of approximately 0.020 inch (approximately 0.51 mm). The void space 120 may be configured using a selected value of reactive material in conjunction with a selected length of the aft portion I 16B of the tip 116 such that the distance D1 is approximately 0.23 inch (approximately 5.8 mm). Of course it is to be understood that the projectile 102 may be formed of different materials and may be sized larger or smaller than a.50 caliber round, include a larger or smaller void space 120, and include different surface features within the rear housing portion 110 to prevent slippage between the reactive material 114 and the rear housing portion 110, to control fragmentation, to control timing of an ignited reactive material 114 breaching the structure, or to effect some combination thereof.</p>
<p>Various types of reactive material 114 may be used with the projectile 102.</p>
<p>In one embodiment, the reactive material includes reactive material components from at least two of the following three component categories: at least one fuel, at least one oxidizer, and at least one class 1.1 explosive. The reactive material 114 is formulated for use in a reactive material projectile, such as a bullet, and to provide at least one of an overpressure of greater than approximately 9 pounds per square inch (approximatley 62 kiloPascals) at a radial measurement of approximately 12 inches (approximately 305 mm) from a point of impact on a target, a hole greater than approximately 2 square inches (approximately 12.9 square centimeters) at an optimum penetration level in a target, and pressure, damage, and a flame when the reactive material projectile impacts a target.</p>
<p>The at least one fuel may be selected from the group consisting of a metal, a fusible metal alloy, an organic fuel, and mixtures thereof. A suitable metal for the fuel may be selected from the group consisting of hafhjum, tantalum, nickel, zinc, tin, silicon, palladium, bismuth, iron, copper, phosphorous, aluminum, tungsten, zirconium, magnesium, boron, titanium, sulfur, magnalium, and mixtures thereof. A suitable organic for the fuel may be selected from the group consisting of phenolphthalein and hexa(ammine)cobaft(m)nite A suitable, fusible metal alloy for the fuel may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. In one embodiment, the fusible metal alloy may have a composition of about 57% bismuth, about 26% indium, and about 17% tin.</p>
<p>The at least one oxidizer may be selected from the group consisting of an inorganic oxidizer, sulfur, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof. The at least one oxidizer may be an alkali or alkaline metal nitrate, an alkali or alkaline metal perchiorate, or an alkaline metal peroxide. For instance, the at least one oxidizer may be ammonium perchiorate, potassium perchiorate, potassium nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, ammonium nitrate, cupric oxide, tungsten oxides, silicon dioxide, manganese dioxide, molybdenum trioxide, bismuth oxides, iron oxide, molybdenum trioxide, or mixtures thereof. The at least one oxidizer may also be selected from the group consisting of polyteirafluoroethylene, a thermoplastic terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride, and a copolymer of vinylidenefluoridehexafluoropmpylene.</p>
<p>The at least one class 1.1 explosive may be selected from the group consisting of trinitrotoluene, cyclo-1,3,S-frimethylene-2,4,6-trinjframine cyclotetramethylene tetranitrainjue, hexanitrohexaazajsoww.tzje 4, IO-dinitro-2,6,8, I 2-tetraoxa-4,1O-diazatetracyc 1o-(550O o' ]-dodecane, 1,3,3-trinitroazetjne, ammonium dinitramide, 2,4,6-trinitro-I,3,5-benzenetrjamjne, dinitrotoluene, and mixtures thereof. The reactive material may also include at least one binder selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, epoxies, polyesters, nylons, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose, silicone, graphite, and (bis(2,2.dinitroprOpyl)acetal/iis(2,2..(Jinjoppy) formal).</p>
<p>A more specific exemplary composition includes a mixture of approximately 90% hafiuium by weight and approximately I0%THV fluoropolyrner (a terpolyrner of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride) by weight. Of course other reactive compositions may used in conjunction with the present invention. Other exemplary reactive compositions which may be used with the * -"-present invention as set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/801,948, entitled REACTIVE MATERIAL ENHANCED MUNITION COMPOSITIONS AND PROJECTILES CONTAINiNG SAME.</p>
<p>Referring now to FIG. 5, the projectile 102 is shown upon impact with a target 130. As the projectile 102 strikes the target 130, a number of things occur.</p>
<p>The tip 116 of the projectile 102 may experience an amount of deformation upon impact with the target 130. Similarly, the wall of the target 130 experiences some deformation as the projectile 102 penetrates the target 130. Additionally, upon impact with the target 130, the tip 116 of the projectile 102 is displaced rearwardly into the cavity 112. In other words, the tip 116 becomes displaced relative to the rear housing portion 110 as indicated by directional arrow 132.</p>
<p>It is noted that, in order for the tip 116 to become displaced into the cavity 112 of the rear housing 110, some deformation of the rear housing 110, the tip 116 (such as along the shoulder 118-shown in FIG. 3), or both will occur.</p>
<p>Thus, it is desirable to design the interface of the tip 116 and rear housing 110, including the shoulder 118 or other structure, to yield and allow such relative displacement upon application of a determined dynamic force to the tip 116 In designing such an interface, one may take into account the types of materials being used, the wall thickness of rear housing portion 110, the size and number of flutes 126 or other surface discontinuities on the interior of the rear housing portion 110, the shape of the tip 116, the type of intended target (e.g., thin-skinned vs. armored), the mass of the projectile 102 and the anticipated speed or range or possible speeds of the projectile upon impact with an intended target.</p>
<p>The displacement of the tip 116 relative to the rear housing 110 causes the tip 116 to impact reactive material 114. The reactive material 114 is ignited either through the transfer of kinetic energy to the reactive material 114 upon impact of the tip 116 therewith, through an adiabatic compression potential of the gas trapped in the void space 120 which causes an increase of temperature on the surface of reactive material 114, or through a combination of both events. Ignition of the reactive material 114 causes the rear housing 110 to burst and may produce a plume of fire with an associated pressure shock. The ignition of the reactive material 114 causes additional damage to the intended target. For example, if the intended target * -12-is a fuel tank, the initial penetration of the projectile may cause fuel to escape from the fuel tank and vaporize while ignition of the reactive material 114 may then cause ignition of the vaporized fuel and explosion of the fuel tank.</p>
<p>With reference to both FIGS. 2 and 5, it is noted that the void space 120 shown in FIG. 2 is eliminated upon displacement of the tip 116 relative to the rear housing 110 as shown in FIG. 5. The void space 120 may be advantageously tailored such that the distance Dt, and the attendant volume of the void space 120, helps to determine the amount of time delay between initial impact of the projectile 102 with a target 130 and the ignition of the reactive material 114. For example, the inventors presently believe that the volume of the void space helps to detennine the amount of adiabatic compression potential of the gas trapped in the void space 120. The adiabatic compression may result in a temperature increase thereby affecting the time delay in the initiating ignition of the reactive material 114.</p>
<p>In addition to tailoring the void space 120 to produce a desired reaction time, other features suitable for adjusting the time delay may be designed in conjunction with the void space 120 such as the interfacing structure formed between the shoulder 118 of the tip 116 and its engagement with the rear housing portion 110 such as been described hereinabove.</p>
<p>Referring now to FIG. 6, another projectile 202 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The projectile 202 includes a rear housing portion 210 defining a cavity 212 therein. An appropriate incendiary, explosive, pyrotechnic or other reactive material 214 is disposed within the cavity 212. A tip 216 includes a shaped, tapered, forward portion 216A and an aft portion 21 6B which is sized and configured for coupling with the rear housing 210 of the projectile 202.For example, the aft portion 116B may be sized to be press-fit into the cavity 212 of the rear housing portion 210. Additionally, the tip 216 may include a shoulder 218 or other physical structure configured to axially abut a surface of the rear housing portion 210, providing a positive stop between the tip 216 and rear housing portion 210 when the projectile 202 is initially assembled.</p>
<p>A void space 220 or ullage may be defined between the aft portion 216B of the tip 216 and the reactive material 214. The void space 220 may be configured such that a specified distance 1)2 is defined between the rear surface 222 of the tip's * aft portion 216B and the forward surface 224 of the reactive material 214. The void space 220 may be used to strategically define the amount of time delay between impact of the projectile 202 with a target and ignition of the reactive material 214 upon displacement of the tip 216 into the cavity 212 and the associated transfer of kinetic energy from the tip 216 to the reactive material 214, upon adiabatic compression of gas within the void space 220, or through a combination of such events.</p>
<p>In some embodiments, while not specifically shown, the cavity 212 formed in the rear housing portion 210 may include one or more grooves or other surface features such as described in conjunction with the embodiment shown and described with respect to FIG. 2. The projectile 202 shown in FIG. 6 also includes a first jacket 230 disposed about the rear housing 210 (or a portion thereof) and a second jacket 232 disposed about the tip 216 (or a portion thereof).</p>
<p>In one embodiment, the rearhousing 210 and tip 216 are fonned of a first material exhibiting a first hardness while the first and second jackets 230 and 232 are formed of a second material exhibiting a second hardness which is less than that of the first material. For example, in one particular embodiment, the rear housing 210 and the tip 216 may be formed of steel while the first and second jackets 230 and 232 may be formed of brass. Such an embodiment enables the projectile 202 to penetrate a robust target such as an annored target, more effectively than a projectile entirely or largely formed of, for example, brass. The first jacket 230 may be used to interface with the inside surface of the muzzle or bane1 of a firing weapon and, more particularly with rifling grooves fonned therein to avoid damage thereto while enhancing the interaction between the rifling grooves and the projectile. The second jacket 232 provides a softer, more yielding and deformable material at the interface between the tip 216 and the rear housing 210. Such a structure enables more efficient and rapid displacement of the tip 216 within the cavity 212 upon impact of the projectile 202 with a target.</p>
<p>It is noted that, with the projectile 202 being designed to provide increased penetration capability (such as may be needed for an armored target), the void space 220 may be appropriately tailored in a manner described hereinabove to produce an increased time delay for initiation of reactive material 214 so that it does * not initiate prematurely. Similarly, the projectile may be configured to control the amount of time before an ignited reactive material will breach the structure of the projectile 202 as also discussed hereinabove. Thus, in one example, assuming the projectile 202 is configured as a.50 caliber round (as defined hereinabove), the distance 1)2 may be approximately 0.575 inch (approximately 14.6 mm).</p>
<p>Referring now to FIG. 7, another projectile 102' is shown in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The projectile 102' is configured generally similar to the projectile 102 shown and described with respect to FIG. 2.</p>
<p>For example, the projectile 102' includes a rear housing portion 110 which defines a cavity therein 112, the cavitSr being filled with a reactive material 114. A tip 116' is coupled with the rear housing 110. The tip 116' also defines a cavity 140 therein and the cavity is filled with a reactive material 142 which may include an incendiary, explosive or pyrotechnic composition. Thus, the projectile 102' is configured such that an initial explosion may occur by kinetically igniting the reactive material 142 in the tip 116' and a subsequent explosion may occur by kinetically or otherwise igniting the reactive material 114 in the cavity 112 of the rear housing 110. In some cases, the reactive material 142 in the tip may be the same or similar to the reactive material 114 in the rear housing 110. In other cases, the two reactive materials 114 and 142 may be considerably different from one another.</p>
<p>Thus, in some embodiments one reactive material 142 may be used for enhanced ignition of the other reactive material 114. In other embodiments the reactive material 142 in the tip 116' may be used for enhanced penetration of the projectile 102 into an armored type target while the reactive material 114 in the rear casing 110 may be for inflicting explosive or incendiary damage to the target as described hereinabove.</p>
Claims (1)
- <p>S</p><p>Claimj 1. A projectile comprising a housing, a reactive material disposed within a cavity formed by the housing and a tip coupled with the housing and substantially closing the cavity, wherein the housing has a surface feature in the cavity thereof and wherein the reactive material is arranged within the cavity to interact with the surface feature so as to resist a change in the angular velocity of the reactive material relative to the angular velocity of the housing.</p><p>2. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein the reactive material and the tip are cooperatively positioned and configured to define a selected void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material, and wherein the void space is sized and configured to substantially provide an intended time of ignition of the reactive material subsequent to impact of the tip with an intended target.</p><p>3. A projectile according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the tip is fonned of a material comprising brass.</p><p>4. A projectile according to claim 3, wherein the housing is formed of a material comprising brass and/or steel.</p><p>5. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein the reactive material comprises at least two materials selected from fuels, oxidizers, and class 1.1 explosives.</p><p>6. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein the reactive material includes at least one fuel selected from a metal, a fusible metal alloy, an organic fuel, and mixtures thereof.</p><p>7. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein the reactive material includes at least one oxidizer comprising an inorganic oxidizer, sulfur, a fluoropolymer or a mixture thereof.</p><p>S -16- 8. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein the reactive material includes at least one explosive material selected from trinitrotoluene, cyclo-l,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine, cyclotetrarnethylene tetranitramine, hexanitrohexaazajsowurtzjtane, 4,1 O-dinitro-2,6,8, 12-tetraoxa-4, I 0-diazatetracyclo-[53.0.03.9.03.1]-dodecane, I,3,3-trinitroazetine, ammonium dinitramide, 2,4,6-trinitro-l,3,5-benzenetriamine, dinitrotoluene, and mixtures thereof.</p><p>9. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein the reactive material comprises approximately 90% hafiuium by weight and approximately IO%THV fluoropolymer by weight.</p><p>10. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein the tip includes a shoulder surf ace placed in abutting engagement with a surface of the housing adjacent the open end of the cavity.</p><p>11. A projectile according to any preceding claim, wherein said surface feature comprises at least one recess formed in an internal surface of the housing defining the cavity.</p><p>12. A projectile according to claim 11, wherein said recess is sized, located and configured to engage with the reactive material and provide resistance to a change in an angular velocity of the reactive material relative to an angular velocity of the housing.</p><p>13. A projectile according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said recess is sized, located and configured to stimulate a desired fragmentation pattern of the housing upon ignition of the reactive material.</p><p>14. A projectile according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said recess is sized, located and configured to control at least partially the timing of a structural breach of the housing subsequent an ignition of the reactive material.</p><p>S -17- 15. A method of stabilizing a projectile during flight, the projectile including a housing, a reactive material disposed within a cavity formed by the housing and a tip coupled with housing and substantially closing the cavity, the method comprising: providing a surface feature in the cavity of the housing; and arranging the reactive material within the cavity to interact with the surface feature so as to resist a change in angular velocity of the reactive material relative to the angular velocity of the housing.</p><p>16. A method according to claim 15 wherein in order to time the ignition of the reactive material disposed within the projectile, a defined distance is provided between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material whereby upon impacting a target with the projectile the tip is displaced with respect to the housing such that the surface of the tip contacts the surface of the reactive material to ignite the reactive material.</p><p>17. A method according to claim 16, wherein igniting the reactive material includes transferring kinetic energy to the reactive material through the displaced tip.</p><p>18. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein igniting the reactive material includes effecting an adiabatic compression of a gas disposed between the surface of the tip and the surface of a reactive material.</p><p>19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein providing a defined distance between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material farther comprises: forming the housing of the projectile to define a cavity therein and an open, forward-facing mouth; disposing a selected volume of the reactive material within the cavity; and placing the tip into the mouth of the cavity and securing the projectile tip to the housing to establish the defined distance between the surface of the tip and the surface of the reactive material.</p><p>* -18- 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the defined distance is selected to determine, at least in part, a time delay between impact of the tip and a target and initiation of the reactive material by displacement of the tip within the cavity towards the reactive material.</p><p>21. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein providing a defined distance further includes providing a defined volume between the surface of the tip and the surface of the reactive material.</p><p>22. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising providing the tip with a shoulder, abutting the shoulder with a portion of the housing, and structuring the shoulder to yield upon application of a predeflned force to the tip in the direction of the housing.</p><p>23. A method of forming a projectile, the method comprising: providing a housing; defining a cavity within the housing including an opening at one end of the housing; disposing a mass of reactive material within the cavity; and coupling a tip to the housing and enclosing the opening wherein a surface feature is provided in said cavity, the reactive material being arranging within the cavity to interact with said surface feature so as to resist a change in the angular velocity of the reactive material relative to the angular velocity of the housing.</p><p>24. The method according to claim 22, further comprising forming at least one recess in an interior surface of the housing the defines the cavity.</p><p>25. The method according to claim 23, further comprising sizing, locating and configuring said recess to stimulate a desired fragmentation pattern of the housing upon ignition of the mass of reactive material.</p><p>* -19- 26. The method according to claim 23 or claim 24, finther comprising sizing and configuring the at least one recess to at least partially control the timing of a structural breach of the housing upon ignition of the mass of reactive material.</p><p>27. The method according toy one of claims 23 to 25, flurther comprising cooperatively positioning and configuring the tip, the housing and the reactive material so as to define a selected void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material.</p>
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0505220A GB2412156B8 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2005-03-14 | Reactive material enhanced projectiles and relatedmethods |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US55343004P | 2004-03-15 | 2004-03-15 | |
GB0505220A GB2412156B8 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2005-03-14 | Reactive material enhanced projectiles and relatedmethods |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0705042D0 GB0705042D0 (en) | 2007-04-25 |
GB2433579A true GB2433579A (en) | 2007-06-27 |
GB2433579B GB2433579B (en) | 2007-09-26 |
Family
ID=38137364
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0705042A Expired - Fee Related GB2433579B (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2005-03-14 | Reactive material enhanced projectiles and related methods |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2433579B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2019197095A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-17 | Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh | Explosive projectile |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1819106A (en) * | 1931-03-26 | 1931-08-18 | Lewis M Mcbride | Method of shell construction |
US4094246A (en) * | 1975-12-08 | 1978-06-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Fluid stabilizing insert for projectiles |
-
2005
- 2005-03-14 GB GB0705042A patent/GB2433579B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1819106A (en) * | 1931-03-26 | 1931-08-18 | Lewis M Mcbride | Method of shell construction |
US4094246A (en) * | 1975-12-08 | 1978-06-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Fluid stabilizing insert for projectiles |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2019197095A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-17 | Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh | Explosive projectile |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0705042D0 (en) | 2007-04-25 |
GB2433579B (en) | 2007-09-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7603951B2 (en) | Reactive material enhanced projectiles and related methods | |
US8443731B1 (en) | Reactive material enhanced projectiles, devices for generating reactive material enhanced projectiles and related methods | |
US9982981B2 (en) | Articles of ordnance including reactive material enhanced projectiles, and related methods | |
US8230789B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for a projectile incorporating a metastable interstitial composite material | |
US7299735B2 (en) | Device for the disruption of explosive ordnance | |
US6105505A (en) | Hard target incendiary projectile | |
US8931415B2 (en) | Initiation systems for explosive devices, scalable output explosive devices including initiation systems, and related methods | |
JP7108685B2 (en) | Fully armored safety bullet especially for multi-purpose use | |
WO2001077607A1 (en) | Projectile for the destruction of large explosive targets | |
US4480551A (en) | Point-detonating variable time-delayed fuze | |
US6945175B1 (en) | Biological and chemical agent defeat system | |
JPS6158760B2 (en) | ||
US7980178B1 (en) | Environmentally friendly percussion primer | |
US4013013A (en) | Ordnance fuze time delay mechanism | |
FI3759417T3 (en) | Projectile having a pyrotechnic charge | |
EP3377844B1 (en) | Munition having penetrator casing with fuel-oxidizer mixture therein | |
GB2433579A (en) | Means for stabilizing a projectile during flight | |
US10969212B1 (en) | Multipurpose munition for personnel and materiel defeat | |
US11287236B1 (en) | Training cartridge with day/night/thermal visible signature | |
US10502537B1 (en) | Enhanced terminal performance medium caliber multipurpose traced self-destruct projectile | |
KR101924971B1 (en) | Ignition/delay assembly and extended range projectile having the same | |
RU2206862C1 (en) | Concrete-piercing ammunition | |
WO2001077606A1 (en) | Multiple purpose projectile with electronic fuze and the use of an electronic fuze in such a projectile | |
AU2001229156A1 (en) | Projectile for the destruction of large explosive targets |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20090314 |