Actuators For Gun-Fired Projectiles and Mortars

Abstract

An actuator stack is provided and having a tubular body and two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction in the tubular body. Where each of the two or more actuators have a solid propellant; a primer for igniting the propellant; and detonation wiring for powering the primer. The actuator stack further having a separation layer formed between adjacent individual actuators in the stack.

1 . An actuator stack comprising:
 a tubular body;   two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction in the tubular body;   each of the two or more actuators having:
 a solid propellant; 
 a primer for igniting the propellant; and 
 detonation wiring for powering the primer; and 
   a separation layer formed between adjacent individual actuator;   wherein the separation layer has a first thickness at a periphery greater than a second thickness at a central region, the first and second thicknesses corresponding to an area of the solid propellant.   
     
     
         2 . The actuator stack of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two or more individual actuators comprise an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat. 
     
     
         3 . The actuator stack of  claim 1 , wherein the accelerating nozzle further includes a divergent section for expansion of matter emanating through the throat. 
     
     
         4 . The actuator stack of  claim 1 , wherein the separation layer comprises a granular material. 
     
     
         5 . The actuator stack of  claim 4 , wherein the granular material is selected from a group consisting of silica and alumina. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The actuator stack of  claim 1 , wherein the separation layer comprises a diaphragm film. 
     
     
         8 . The actuator stack of  claim 7 , wherein the separation layer further comprises a granular material, the granular material and diaphragm film being arranged in adjacent layers. 
     
     
         9 . The actuator stack of  claim 7 , wherein the diaphragm film includes a weakened portion having a lower bursting pressure than other portions. 
     
     
         10 . The actuator stack of  claim 9 , wherein the weakened portion is arranged in a predetermined pattern. 
     
     
         11 . The actuator stack of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular body is cylindrical. 
     
     
         12 . The actuator stack of  claim 9 , wherein the weakened portion is a scoring pattern formed in the diaphragm film.