Theoretical model based on configuration decomposition for the fragment velocity of the prism charge structure

Abstract

The prism charge warhead can achieve a good balance between dense damage elements and reduced aiming time. However, the conventional fragment velocity theory can’t be directly applied to calculate the fragment velocity of polygonal charges, resulting in a lack of effective metrics to evaluate their lethality and to guide practical design. In this study, the configuration decomposition method was first used to quantify the distribution relationship between polygonal charges and sandwich charges, and a preliminary model was established. Secondly, through numerical modeling, the unknown function within the model was determined, and pulsed X-ray experiments were designed and executed. Finally, the accuracy and applicability of the established model were verified using the test results, publicly published test results, and additional numerical simulations. The study's numerical simulations show high precision, with an absolute error of <5.44%. The error of the established calculation model is controlled within 7.70%. This research can provide a reliable tool for designing and optimizing the power of prism charge warheads.