FRAGMENT DISTRIBUTION FROM AN ALUMINUM-CASED SHAPED CHARGE

Abstract

During testing of a shaped charge that was intended as a third-stage self destruct mechanism, we gathered data on the fragmentation of an Al 6061-T6 case surrounding a shaped charge. Witness packs were placed around the charge in an arena-like configuration. These packs, comprised of Al 2024-T351 sheets and plywood, were placed 101 cm from the charge. Direct line-of-sight data was collected on two witness packs. A total of 161 fragments were recovered. The size and weight of each of these fragments was measured. The shapes of the fragments were analyzed as well as the fragment mass-cumulative mass distribution. These results are compared with fragmentation results with Al 2024-T351 where the fragmentation was caused by impact rather than explosive loading. The shaped charge-case fragments are more typically borderline in shape between flat and brick like, whereas the fragments from the hypervelocity impact (crater ejecta) are predominantly flat.