GB2593866A

GB2593866A - Improvements in or relating to linear cutting charges

Info

Publication number: GB2593866A
Application number: GB2003900.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alford Roland
Original assignee: Alford IP Ltd
Current assignee: Alford IP Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-18
Filing date: 2020-03-18
Publication date: 2021-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-18
Also published as: GB2593866B; GB202003900D0

Abstract

A linear cutting charge body 10 comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner 50 and explosive material. The body 10 comprises two generally parallel sidewalls 20, 25. At one end the sidewalls 20, 25 terminate at approximately the same point. One of the sidewalls 25 is taller than the other 20 so that at the other end the sidewalls 20, 25 form an angle. The charge body may alternatively have an angled bottom wall.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LINEAR CUTTING CHARGES

The present invention relates generally to shaped charges, which are explosive charges shaped to focus the effect of an explosive's energy, and particularly to linear shaped charges which are also known as linear cutting charges (LCC).

An LCC has a liner consisting of, comprising or including a generally V-shaped profile and varying length. Explosive is then loaded behind the liner and the explosive is encased within a suitable material that serves to protect the explosive and to confine (tamp) it on detonation. The charge is detonated at some point in the explosive above the liner apex. The detonation projects the liner to form a continuous, knife-like (planar) jet. The jet cuts material in its path, to a depth dependent on the size of the charge and materials used in the charge. LCCs are used, for example, in the cutting of rolled steel joists and other structural targets, such as in the controlled demolition of buildings.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to LCC's.

An aspect of the present invention provides a linear cutting charge body, comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, the body comprises two generally parallel sidewalls, at one corresponding end the sidewalls terminate at approximately the same point, and one of the sidewalls is taller than the other so that at the other corresponding end the sidewalls form an angle.

An aspect of the present invention provides a linear cutting charge, comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity which receives a liner and receives explosive material, the body comprises two generally parallel sidewalls, at one corresponding end the sidewalls terminate at approximately the same point, and one of the sidewalls is taller than the other so that at the other corresponding end the sidewalls form an angle.

An aspect of the present invention provides a linear cutting charge, comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity fitted with a liner and explosive material, the body comprises two generally parallel sidewalls, at one corresponding end the sidewalls terminate at approximately the same point, and one of the sidewalls is taller than the other so that at the other corresponding end the sidewalls form an angle.

The explosive material may be positioned "above" the liner and an angled standoff may be formed "below" the liner.

The sidewalls may be joined by an inclined bottom wall which can be placed against a target in use.

The charge may form an angled standoff into which the liner is projected. This allows, for example, for angled cuts to be made.

An aspect of the present invention provides a linear cutting charge body comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, the longitudinal cavity provides a stand-off region for the liner, the stand-off region includes an angled longitudinal wall which can be placed against a target in use.

An aspect of the present invention provides a linear cutting charge comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, the longitudinal cavity provides a stand-off region for the liner, the stand-off region includes an angled longitudinal wall which can be placed against a target in use Some aspects and embodiments provide a bottom stand-off section which is angled, for example to allow sloping cuts to be made in a target (such as a steel structural member). This can, for example allow two parts of a member either side of a cut to slide passed each other more easily.

A further aspect provides a user-fillable linear cutting charge body comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, in which the body includes an angled bottom wall.

The angle may be in the range 15 to 45 degrees, for example approximately 30 degrees. In some embodiments the key is that the stand-off in the centre of the charge is set to the optimum.

The body may comprise a pair of spaced longitudinal sidewalls. The sidewalls may be generally parallel to each other.

The body may be a longitudinal generally U-section of material. In some embodiments the body is formed from a pair of spaced longitudinal, rectilinear sidewalls joined at one end by an angled rectilinear base.

The body may be formed as a longitudinal gully-like channel with generally parallel sidewalls defining a longitudinal opening.

In some embodiments the body may have a generally trapezoidal section, for example a generally right trapezoidal section.

The body may be formed as a gully-like channel with generally parallel sidewalls defining a longitudinal opening.

A longitudinal lid/roof/cover may be provided for the body. The lid/roof/cover may be removable/detachable.

The body may further comprise a lid/roof, which may be formed integrally with the body, or may be formed separately and be attached or attachable to the body.

The cavity may be provided with retention means for retaining a liner.

The retaining means may comprise an elongate channel. The channel may comprise a pair of spaced, longitudinal flanges, for example defining a gap therebetween. The flanges may be inclined to the body sidewalls; in other words the flanges may extend at an angle from the sidewall. In some embodiments the flanges are spaced to allow the edges of a liner to fit between them; retaining the liner with either a loose fit or a tight fit.

An end cap or plug for closing an end of the body may be provided. End caps or plugs for closing both ends of the body may be provided. The end caps or plugs may seal the end/s.

One or more end plates, caps or plugs may be provided for closing and/or sealing either or both ends of the body.

End plate/s may comprise a support portion for supporting and/or locating the liner.

End-caps may be sealed with, for example, silicone rubber for use under water. The end caps may be designed to fit firmly onto the ends of the charge cases. In some embodiments a sealant may be used for underwater use.

The body may be formed as a single piece.

The body may be an extrusion.

The body may be formed from metal, for example aluminium. For example the body may be formed from aluminium. In some embodiments the body is an aluminium extrusion.

The present invention also provides a charge body as described herein in combination with a liner.

The liner may, for example, be formed from copper or magnesium.

The liner may be pre-fitted into the body.

In some embodiments the cross-section of the liner is generally: chevron-shape; round; square; square with rounded corners; or rhomboid.

In some embodiments the liner is a pre-sealed generally tubular liner.

The liner may be, for example, a sealed hollow section liner.

In some embodiments the cavity can interchangeably be fitted with either a liner for terrestrial use or a liner for underwater use.

The cavity may be provided with retention means for optionally retaining either a terrestrial use liner or an underwater use liner.

The liner for terrestrial use may be a generally chevron-shape or a generally V-shape linear cutting charge liner.

The liner for underwater use may be a sealable hollow section liner, such as a box-sectioned liner.

The body may be sealable. For example the ends of the body may be welded closed.

The body may be formed so that it can be cut to a required length. In some embodiments, for example, the only requirements are a flat working surface and a cutting tool such as a hack-saw. The user cuts the charges to the lengths required and fits plastic end-caps to each end of the charge.

The charge may be formed as an aluminium-bodied explosive linear cutting charge which is user filled and supplied in kit form.

The charge may be assembled in sizes corresponding to particular applications, and then filled with, for example, plastic explosive.

Charges may, for example, be assembled from pre-formed one metre or half metre lengths of extruded aluminium.

In some embodiments a liner (for example a copper or magnesium liner) may be factory fitted and sealed in place.

The charge may be adapted or adaptable for use terrestrially. The charge may be adapted or adaptable for use underwater.

The present invention also provides a charge body as described herein in combination with a terrestrial or underwater liner.

The present invention also provides a charge body and a charge substantially as shown and/or described herein.

The present invention also provides a charge body or combination as described herein and filled with explosive material.

The present invention also provides linear cutting charge kit comprising a charge or combination as described herein, The kit may comprise a liner for terrestrial use and a liner for underwater use; the liners can be interchangeably fitted into the body.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one Or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring first to Figure I there is shown a charge body generally indicated 10 and fitted with a liner 50.

The body 10 has a generally right trapezoidal section, with two spaced sidewalls 20, 25 extending generally parallel to each other and being joined by a bottom wall 15.

The sidewall 25 is taller than the sidewall 20. The sidewalls terminate at approximately the same height at one end (a "top", open end), meaning that the other end a bottom wall IS is angled/inclined.

The interior of each sidewall 20, 25 is provided with a first longitudinal flange 30a, 30b and a second longitudinal flange 35a, 3513. The respective flanges are spaced from each other to define a longitudinal channel 40a, 40b therebetween.

The flanges 30a, 306 are inclined and project inwardly and upwardly (away from the base/wall 15).

The liner 50 is generally V-shape with a curved apex 51 and two longitudinal sides 52, 53. In this embodiment the liner is formed from copper.

The free ends of the inclined liner sides 52, 53 fit into respective channels 40a, 40b.

Explosive material (not shown) can be loaded behind the liner into the cavity 60 above.

A removable longitudinal lid 70 is fitted to close the top of the sidewalls.

End caps 75 are fitted at both ends of the body (only one end cap is shown for clarity).

Figures 2 to 6 show a charge body fitted with a liner and placed on a target 80. It will be noted that because the flat base/wall 15 lies generally parallel to the target (e.g. a steel beam), the detonation axis X is inclined with respect to the target.

Figures 7 to 9 show a target 180 with two opposed charges bodies II 0a, I I Ob attached, one on either side and longitudinally offset so that they share a detonation axis X and will in use produce a cut together.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A linear cutting charge body, comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, the body comprises two generally parallel sidewalls, at one corresponding end the sidewalls terminate at approximately the same point, and one of the sidewalls is taller than the other so that at the other corresponding end the sidewalls form an angle.
2. A body as claimed in claim I, in which the sidewalls are joined by an inclined bottom wall which can be placed against a target in use.
3. A linear cutting charge body, comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, the longitudinal cavity provides a stand-off region for the liner, the stand-off region includes an angled longitudinal wall which can be placed against a target in use.
4. A user-fillable linear cutting charge body comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal cavity for receiving a liner and explosive material, in which the body includes an angled bottom wall.
5. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the angle is in the range IS to 45 degrees.
6. A charge body as claimed in claim 5, in which the angle is approximately 30 degrees.
7. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body comprises a pair of spaced longitudinal sidewalls.
8. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body has a generally trapezoidal section.
9. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body has a generally right trapezoidal section.
10. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is formed as a gully-like channel with generally parallel sidewalls defining a longitudinal opening.
I I. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a longitudinal lid/roof/cover is provided for the body.
12. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cavity is provided with retention means for retaining a liner.
13. A charge body as claimed in claim 12, in which the retention means comprises an elongate channel.
14. A charge body as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the retention means is defined by a pair of spaced flanges.
IS. A charge body as claimed in claim 14, in which the flanges are inclined to the body sidewall.
16. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an end plate, cap or plug for closing and/or sealing either or both ends of the body is provided.
17. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is formed from metal.
18. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is formed as a single piece.
19. A charge body as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a liner.
20. A charge body as claimed in claim 19, in which the line is formed from metal.
21. A combination as claimed in claim 20, in which the liner is formed from copper, steel or magnesium.
22. A combination as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, in which the liner is pre-fitted into the body.
23. A combination as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22, in which the liner is a pre-sealed generally tubular liner.
24. A combination as claims in any of claims 20 to 22, in which the cross-section of the liner is generally: chevron-shape; round; square; square with rounded corners; or rhomboid.
25. A charge, charge body or combination as claimed in any preceding claim and filled with explosive material.