USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Eric Scheid

Brad Moan

Nishkamraj U Deshpande

Colt T Miller

Andrew Richard Davis

Lucas Allison

Thomas Gailey

Dan Thomas

Tom Gailey

Joshua E Gwaltney

Matt E Cummings

William E McNicholas

James E Schwabe

Michael R Murphy

Kevin Hovden

Theodore E Sivley

John A Roark

Joshua W McIntosh

Josh Gwaltney

Kyle D Stoll

Alan Wolf

Kevin Stewart

Eddie Schisler

Travis Bohnert

Provided is a new and improved method for examining the penetration of fragments in ballistic gelatin through the use of state-of-the art computed tomography (CT) equipment and analytical software. The inventive method can be used for fragment penetration testing as a key performance parameter (KPP). Ballistic gel containing multiple fragments are obtained, placed in a container, positioned in a CT chamber, and scanned. The scan is imported into a Volume graphics software program. A surface determination is made, which is used by one or more algorithms to isolate potential fragmentation within the gel block. The number of fragments, depth of penetration, and fragment mass are then calculated.

Method for computed tomography examination of fragments in gel block

Provided is a frangible munitions device optimized for a dome and cylinder that yields fragments having shapes corresponding to a predetermined embossment pattern upon explosive rupture. The embossment pattern includes a first set of inner regular hexagonal embossments formed into the dome and cylinder that are aligned with the axis of the cylinder, and a second set of outer pre-deformed hexagonal shapes that distort to produce regular hexagonal shapes after drawing into the cylinder wall. The second set of shapes are separated by sharp transition regions. The shapes are embossed in a repeated pattern around the hollow cylinder and the dome top. The dome yields a plurality of fragments having shapes corresponding to the first set of inner regular hexagonal embossments upon explosive rupture, while the cylinder yields a plurality of fragments having shapes corresponding to the second set of outer pre-deformed hexagonal embossments upon explosive rupture.

Fragmentation pattern, optimized for drawn cup warheads with a dome and cylindrical wall

A drill bit in conjunction with a hammer-drill to penetrate composite metal and non-metal structure or structures including, for example, thick metal or rebar encountered during concrete, rock or masonry boring operations without requiring a change in drill equipment.

Apparatus for limiting equipment burden when penetrating a mixed or composite material structure including metal utilizing a hammer-drill

The present invention relates to using at least one explosive device to enable rapid and accurate positioning and repositioning of at least one explosive charge for controlled penetration of targets. A penetrator allows effective demolition with minimal explosive load. An attachment collar with magnetic inserts allows quick repositioning of explosive devices. A plurality of explosive devices allows a demolition profile to be rapidly created and adjusted on-site to adapt to changes in structural or environmental conditions.

Systems and methods for penetrating structures with repositionable shaped charges

A method employing an apparatus in conjunction with a hammer-drill to penetrate composite metal and non-metal structure or structures including, for example, thick metal or rebar encountered during concrete, rock or masonry boring operations without requiring a change in drill equipment.

Method and apparatus for limiting equipment burden when penetrating a mixed or composite material structure including metal utilizing a hammer-drill

Generally, embodiments of the invention can include a linear shaped charge (LSC) end cap coupling structure adapted for holding an initiator structure adapted to initiate a booster explosive material, the booster explosive material, and the LSC in abutting contact with each other. One embodiment includes a rubber body formed with cavities adapted to receive the LSC, booster, and initiator structure (e.g., detonation cord). One internal cavity can be formed with a plurality of flexible protrusions or fins which are oriented towards a center axis of the preferred embodiment of three cavities configured to impart an interference fit with the initiator structure. Methods related to the invention are also provided.

Explosive assembly systems including a linear shaped charge end prime cap apparatus and related methods

Exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods to provide an ability to quickly and securely hand emplace stand-off demolition charges to various surfaces or structures including surfaces including any flat surface. An aspect of the embodiment of the invention is a lightweight attachment bracket that will hold charges at distances up to (e.g., ten inches) away from a vertical target. The bracket is collapsible, therefore provides a user adjustable stand-off, which is necessary for some applications. Attachment to ferrous material can be instant through a set of rare earth metals imbedded in the base of the bracket. A skirt of high strength textile material provides attachment to other surfaces via integrated hooks and rings. Alternative embodiments of the invention could include an electromagnetic system provided to couple the bracket with a battery in order to provide a limited amount of power to operate the system.

Stand-off charge system including an attachment bracket and related methods

A method of modifying material properties of a fragmentation device, includes providing a fragmentation device with a first surface, a first section, a second section, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, a third section, and a fourth section disposed between the first, second, and third sections. The method further includes positioning the fragmentation device within a carbon-rich environment, and absorbing carbon from the carbon-rich environment into the first and second surfaces of the fragmentation device. Additionally, the method further includes increasing a content of carbon at the first and second surfaces of 0.06 wt. % carbon to 1.0 wt. % carbon and maintaining an original content of carbon of 0.01 wt. % carbon to 0.05 wt. % carbon at the fourth section of the fragmentation device by controlling penetration of the carbon into the fourth section.

Fragmentation device with increased surface hardness and a method of producing the same

Apparatus and methods associated with an enclosure or structure including two sections that are adapted with a snap-fit interlocking structure. Various embodiments of the enclosure or structures are formed with various case hardening or embrittlement processes to increase embrittlement or hardness of the enclosure or structure so as to create a structure or enclosure which has a desired fragmentation capacity while still maintaining sufficient material properties to permit snap-fit insertion of one section into another section and withstand substantial impacts. Embodiments also provide an interlocking structure that minimizes differences in fragmentation or fracturing capacity as contrasted with other portions of the structure or enclosure. An embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure where one section of the enclosure or structure has a first thickness and the second section has a second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different. In some embodiments, one section is thinner than another section.

Snap fit assembly for a ruggedized multi-section structure with selective embrittlement or case hardening

An auto-feeding permanent magnet drill comprising a first permanent magnet capable of being removeably coupled to a magnetic material. A coupler plate couples to the first permanent magnet. A drill frame couples to the coupler plate, the coupler plate providing an interface to couple the first permanent magnet to the frame. User interfaces are provided to enable control for powering the drill, enabling a drill or cutter bit auto-feed feature, enabling a lubrication system and enabling a mechanical adjustment system. An electric drill is coupled to the frame, the electric drill coupled to the auto-feed feature and electronically coupled to the user interfaces. A lubrication reservoir couples to a second permanent magnet capable of coupling the lubrication reservoir to a magnetic material or work surface. A flexible distribution tube delivers lubricant from the lubrication reservoir to a nozzle, the nozzle oriented towards the cutting surface and capable of distributing lubricating fluid to the cutting surface or rotating drill bit components during a drilling operation.

Magnetic drill system

An apparatus and method for investigating and analyzing early shaped charge liner collapse and liner material, wherein such method uses material from an actual liner, in order to collect data on the explosive event and its impact on the material.

Method for investigating early liner collapse in a shaped charge

Structures and methods of manufacturing utilizing direction of force loading or shock induced deformation of structures including microstructures produced in accordance with embodiments of the invention are provided. In one example, a method of manufacturing and structure including providing a metallic plate; forming said plate such that an original longitudinal direction of rolling the plate is perpendicular to a long direction of the plate, thus a force load on the plate would then be distributed over the longitudinal direction.

Structures and methods of manufacture of microstructures within a structure to selectively adjust a response or responses of resulting structures or portions of structures to shock induced deformation or force loading

A fragmentation structure is provided with improved performance e.g., fragmentation, projectile generation, storage, and manufacturing. An embodiment can include an open fragmentation structure that can be separated into individual components that can include a structure body section with a compartment, a removable initiator or detonator, a top cap section having an aperture configured to accept the removable initiator or removable detonator, and an explosive. An exemplary explosive can be preassembled to fit within the structure without a need for pouring in an explosive. An exemplary structure or top cap of the structure can receive an embrittlement treatment increasing its fragmentation characteristics. An ability of the structure to be easily disassembled allows for safer storage and a longer shelf life. A design of an exemplary embodiment of the structure allows it to be used with a wide range of explosive materials in addition to many types of removable initiators or detonators.

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Bloomington, IN, United States of America

Eric Scheid