Ammunition and explosives – Igniting devices and systems – Laser or light initiated
Patent
1991-01-28
1992-03-31
Johnson, Stephen
Ammunition and explosives
Igniting devices and systems
Laser or light initiated
60 39823, F42C 1902
Patent
active
050997610
ABSTRACT:
A laser actuated thru-bulkhead initiator for transmission of detonation within the initiator without destroying the pressure integrity of the initiator and the seal of the pressure vessel in which the initiator is installed comprises a body portion having an aperture extending throughout the length thereof. This aperture provides an optical path from a laser source to a detonable explosive material positioned within the aperture. The body portion provides a housing for retaining in a first section of the aperture, a primary window element, an attenuator for an explosive shock wave, a second window element, and an explosive material within the aperture and the optical path. A second section of the aperture of the body portion which extends from the outer surface of the second window performs the function of receiving the explosive shock wave energy dissipated from an explosive force released by the detonable explosive composition. In use, when laser light of a minimum threshold energy level, capable of achieving detonation of a primary detonable explosive composition, is transmitted through the optical path, the primary detonable explosive composition detonates. The primary window is protected from failure by the attenuator which is either an air gap or a material selected from an epoxy resin, epoxy resin mixed with an elastomeric material, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, and combination of the materials. The second section of the aperture can contain a pyrotechnic material which yields an extremely fast-acting pyrotechnic initiator.
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Kessler et al., U.S. Army, Technical Report 4390, The Detonation of Exploes Using Pulsed Laser Systems as a Stimulus, Oct. 1972.
Menichelli et al., NASA Technical Report 32-1474, Sensitivity of Explosives to Laser Energy, Apr. 30, 1970.
Betts Robert E.
Zeman Samuel
Bush Freddie M.
Johnson Stephen
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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