Explosive Thruster for the Enhanced Accuracy Kinetic Energy (EAKE) Projectile

摘要

A first series of experiments with an explosive thruster for the EnhancedAccuracy Kinetic Energy (EAKE) projectile was conducted. The tested thrusters were LX-14 explosive pellets abutted to a 2-in. diameter and 12-in. long steel bar. The tested explosive weights were 10-g, 20-g 40-g, and 60-g pellets. The resulting bar velocities were measured using x-ray flash radiography. The performance of the explosive pellets tested was compared with analytical predictions based on Gurney approximations. In all experiments, detonation of the explosive pellets resulted in significant damage imparted to the abutting end of the bar. The extent of this damage increased consistently with increases in the explosive pellet weight. The paper presents a comprehensive discussion of the experiments and the resulting data. A number of recommendations for improving the explosive thruster design are suggested and discussed.