Velocity axial distribution of fragments from non-cylindrical symmetry explosive-filled casing

Abstract With the technical development of new warhead designs and explosive protection, theoretical research on the velocity distribution along the axis is important. The velocity distribution of fragments along the axis of 2 kinds of non-cylindrical casings, which were detonated at one end, was obtained and investigated in this paper with a flash-radiograph technique. The results of the experiments indicated that the rarefaction wave generated at 2 ends of the non-cylindrical casings was only related to the diameter of the explosive, instead of the filled ratio. According to the experimental conclusion, an “extended hard core” model was proposed, and its parameters were determined based on the analysis of the velocity distribution of different kinds of explosive-filled casings. This formula is able to directly obtain the velocity distribution of the non-cylindrical casing, which was detonated at one end, without needing experiments to determine unknown parameters. The formula is highly accurate and has a wide range of applications, which provides the basis for the new engineering design of diverse conventional warheads and explosive protection structure.