Numerical study on the influence of the initiation point position on the fragmentation effect of a high-explosive rocket warhead
Abstract
Introduction/purpose: Rockets with high-explosive (HE) warheads are the most numerous type used for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). They are used for a wide range of combat tasks. Besides other design characteristics, the effect on the target depends on the position where detonation is initiated in their explosive charge. The study analyses the fragmentation effects of steel balls from the 128 mm M77 HE warhead with the standard point-detonating (PD) fuze and with a differently positioned detonating assembly.
Methods: The study uses a simple numerical model for the assessment of the fragmentation effect, which requires modest resources. A numerical model of the fragmentation effect was used with Gurney’s model of explosive propulsion and Taylor’s and Shapiro’s method for the direction of the fragment velocity vector. The penetration ability of projected steel balls through hard homogenous steel was analysed using the Project Thor analytical model of kinetic energy projectile penetration.
Results: The results indicate that a change in the position of the initiation point can improve the fragmentation effect of steel balls. The most significant improvement is increased fragment dispersion, causing much larger fragment impact zones. A modest increase in the fragment velocity is observed as well, mainly because the direction of the fragment velocity vector is changed. Also, the penetration ability of both types of steel balls at distances up to 50 m is sufficient for the anti-personnel role, while larger steel balls have anti-material capabilities as well.
Conclusion: Changing the fuze on high-explosive warheads in order to change the position of the initiation point can be used to improve the fragmentation effect.
References
Carlucci, D.E. & Jacobson, S.S. 2018. Ballistics: Theory and Design of Guns and Ammunition, 3rd Edition. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/b22201.
Catovic, A. & Kljuno, E. 2021. A novel method for determination of lethal radius for high-explosive artillery projectiles. Defence Technology, 17(4), pp.1217-1233. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2020.06.015.
Gold, V.M. 2017. Fragmentation model for large L/D (Length over Diameter) explosive fragmentation warheads. Defence Technology, 13(4), pp.300-309. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2017.05.007.
Gurney, R.W. 1943. The Initial Velocities of Fragments from Bombs, Shell and Grenades. Fort Belvoir, VA, USA: Defense Technical Information Center [online]. Available at: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA800105 [Accessed: 9 June 2024].
Kaye, S.M. & Herman, H.L. 1980. Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items. Volume 9. Fort Belvoir, VA, USA: Defense Technical Information Center [online]. Available at: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA097595 [Accessed: 9 June 2024].
Lloyd, R.M. 1998. Conventional Warhead Systems Physics and Engineering Design. Reston, VA, USA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2514/4.472558.
Moxnes, J.F., Frøyland, Ø., Øye, I.J., Brate, T.I., Friis, E., Ødegårdstuen, G. & Risdal, T.H. 2017. Projected area and drag coefficient of high velocity irregular fragments that rotate or tumble. Defence Technology, 13(4), pp.269-280. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2017.03.008.
Orlenko, L.P. 2004. Fizika Vzryva. Moscow: Fizmatlit. (In the original: Орленко, Л.П. 2004. Физика взрыва. Москва: Физматлит). ISBN: 5-9221-0219-2.
Rotariu, A. & Trana, E. 2016. Modelling and simulation for ballistic protection. In: GSEBS-2016: Greener and Safer Energetic and Ballistic Systems, Bucharest, Romania, May 16-28.
Tanapornraweekit, G. & Kulsirikasem, W. 2012. FEM Simulation of HE blast-fragmentation warhead and the calculation of lethal range. International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, 6(6), pp.1070-1074 [online]. Available at: https://publications.waset.org/6890.pdf [Accessed: 9 June 2024].
Ugrčić, M. & Ivanišević, M. 2015. Characterization of the Natural Fragmentation of Explosive Ordnance Using the Numerical Techniques Based on the FEM. Scientific Technical Review, 65(4), pp.14-27 [online]. Available at: http://www.vti.mod.gov.rs/ntp/rad2015/4-2015/2/2.pdf [Accessed: 9 June 2024].
Wang, J., Wang, Y.-c., Zhu, S.-q., Ren, W.-h. & Niu, T.-l. 2014. Improvement and Simulation of THOR Formula with Yaw Angle. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 7(2), pp.106-112 [online]. Available at: http://www.jestr.org/downloads/Volume7Issue2/fulltext167214.pdf [Accessed: 9 June 2024].
Zook, J. 1977. An Analytical Model of Kinetic Energy Projectile/Fragment Penetration. Fort Belvoir, VA, USA: Defense Technical Information Center [online]. Available at: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA086546 [Accessed: 9 June 2024].
Zukas, J.A. & Walters, W.P. 1998. Explosive Effects and Applications. New York, NY: Springer. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-0589-0.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jovica Đ. Bogdanov, Mihailo M. Marinković, Branislav M. Jovanović, Zoran J. Bajić
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Proposed Creative Commons Copyright Notices
Proposed Policy for Military Technical Courier (Journals That Offer Open Access)
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).