Explosive Charge

Abstract

Container ( 10 ) is generally cylindrical except for a longitudinal concave groove ( 11 ) extending along its entire length. Upon explosion, the contour of this groove ( 11 ) results in a focussing effect on the wall material due to the oblique angle at which the expanding cylindrical detonation wave front impacts upon its inner wall. This produces the forging of a rough rod-like projectile ( 11 1 ) which, being coherent, maintains its velocity and consequently travels much further than the randomly shaped projectiles ( 10 1 ).

1 . An explosive charge for producing directed fragments upon explosion, the charge comprising a casing having a compartment portion for explosive material, the casing having a concave wall section adjacent and exterior to the compartment portion. 
   
   
       2 . An explosive charge for producing directed fragments upon explosion, the charge comprising a casing having a compartment portion for explosive material, and a wall section with an interior concave shape adjacent and exterior to the compartment portion. 
   
   
       3 . An explosive charge for producing directed fragments upon explosion, the charge comprising a casing having a compartment portion for explosive material, and a shockwave refracting element adjacent and exterior to the compartment portion. 
   
   
       4 . A charge according to  claim 1 , wherein the concave wall section comprises a groove. 
   
   
       5 . A charge according to  claim 1 , wherein the concave wall section forms part of the exterior wall of the charge. 
   
   
       6 . A charge according to  claim 1  wherein the concave wall section comprises two flat planar wall elements connected together along one common edge to describe an angle therebetween up to 180°. 
   
   
       7 . A charge according to  claim 1  comprising a plurality of concave wall sections. 
   
   
       8 . A charge according to  claim 1  in which the concave wall section has a cross-sectional thickness profile to provide and/or enhance directionality of flight of fragments of the concave wall section after explosion. 
   
   
       9 . A charge according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-sectional thickness profile of the concave wall section includes a thickness which reduces with increased distance from the central point of the explosive compartment. 
   
   
       10 . A charge according to  claim 9  comprising an inert liner between the explosive and a projectile portion of the charge for attenuating the shock wave. 
   
   
       11 . A charge according to  claim 10  comprising a rubber lining of a metal tube forming the casing for the explosive charge. 
   
   
       12 . A charge according to  claim 1  wherein the concave wall section comprises a wall element and means to interlock with another such wall element or a standard wall element. 
   
   
       13 . A charge according to  claim 10  comprising a corner piece to interconnect the concave wall section with another such concave wall element or standard wall element. 
   
   
       14 . (canceled)