Detonation driving rules for cylindrical casings under asymmetrical multipoint initiations

Abstract

The detonation wave–aiming warhead can effectively enhance the lethality efficiency. In the past, rules for casing rupture and velocity distribution under asymmetrical initiations were not adequately investigated. In this study, X-ray photography and numerical modelling are used to examine the casing expansions under centre point, asymmetrical one-point, and asymmetrical two-point (with central angles of 45° and 90°) initiations. The results indicate that early casing ruptures are caused by local high pressures, induced by the initiation, detonation wave interaction, and Mach wave onset. The fragment shapes are controlled by the impact angle of the detonation wave. The fragment velocity distributions differ under different initiation types, and the end rarefaction waves can affect the velocity distribution. This study can serve as a reference for the design and optimization of high-efficiency warheads.

Keywords

• Multipoint initiation
• Fragment shape
• Velocity distribution
• X-ray photography