Innovative Technologies for Controlled Fragmentation Warheads

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to verify the applicability of innovative technologies for manufacturing controlled fragmentation warheads, with particular attention paid to guided ammunition. Several studies were conducted by the authors during the warhead development of DART and Vulcano family munitions. The lethality of the guided munitions can be considerably increased with controlled fragmentation warheads. This increase can compensate a lower payload of the guided munitions. After introducing the concept of warhead and its natural fragmentation, the paper describes both the elements of fracture mechanics related to the fragmentation and the state of the art of controlled fragmentation. A preliminary evaluation of controlled fragmentation technologies is illustrated along with the numerical models developed for predicting the natural and controlled fragmentations. The most promising technologies are presented in detail and the features of the warheads used for the experiments are defined. A description of the entire experimental phase is provided, including results of arena tests, data analysis and revision of numerical models. The applicability of some innovative technologies for controlled fragmentation warheads is fully demonstrated. Two technologies in particular, the laser microdrilling and the double casing solution, provide a high increase of the reference warhead lethality.