Warhead comprised of encapsulated green fragments of varied size and shape

Abstract

A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost part of the warhead body. Upon detonation of the explosive charge, the warhead body is ultimately caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled sizes, shapes. Metallurgical composition of the warhead body can be used to influence the size of fragments ultimately generated when the warhead breaks apart through detonation, since the size and positioning of fragments in the warhead body is preselected. Fabrication of explosive fragmentation ammunition with preformed fragment tungsten alloy fragmenting shells of complex shapes and small and medium calibers is provided in this invention. According to an embodiment of this invention, fabrication begins with 'green' tungsten alloy fragment pellets of a given, full strength, enwrapped in a green lower strength matrix alloy. The product is said to be green because tungsten is largely used to replace other metals such as lead which may be considered more toxic. Next, in the process is pressing to the approximate shape desired of the bulk of the green fragments and matrix mix. This is ultimately followed up with sintering. According to an embodiment of this invention, the sintering process will ultimately result in full strength preformed fragments of tungsten alloy enwrapped in a low strength matrix of tungsten alloy, sized to a desired shell shape and thickness.