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Reference Number
IL-13921
Technical Overview
Precision shaped-charges require tight part tolerances to achieve proper charge function. Precision machining can result in excessive costs and long turnaround times. In particular, machining the cavity liner is the most difficult and time consuming step in the design and fabrication process. There is a need to design liners that are easier to manufacture, faster and less expensive.
Description
LLNL researchers have developed an approach to manufacture the liner with an added variable mass component, which is used to precisely control and alter the collapse of the liner. This results in a single charge that can provide multiple output options.
Development Status
Current stage of technology development:
TRL ☐ 0-2 ☐ 3-5 ☒ 5-9
Advantages
- Decreased cost
- Iterate charge designs faster
- Tailor charge output to a given target
- Produce multiple types of charge output with the same liner - the liner can remain the same while changing only the variable mass component
- Simplify liner machining while retaining control of liner collapse via the addition of the variable mass component
Potential Applications
- Military applications
- Oil/shale well perforation
- Pyrotechnic cutting
- High-explosive demolition
