Determination of Fragment Impact Sensitivity Prediction Methods

Abstract : A two-part program was conducted that was both analytical and experimental. This report presents an analytical method for studying the mechanisms that lead to the detonation of cased munitions filled with molten explosives when impacted by large concrete fragments, representing failed wall sections. This is a single degree-of-freedom dynamic structural analysis method which makes use of predetermined, nonlinear load-deflection characteristics of the shell casing. In the analysis described, the method was applied to predict the pressure-time history in the molten explosive when subjected to impact. The experimental portion was performed to determine the credibility and accuracy of the predictive pressure-time history. A reasonable comparison between analytical and experimental results was obtained.