Study on precise arrangement of spherical fragments in blast-fragmentation warhead

Abstract The fragmentation arrangement of a blast-fragmentation warhead plays a crucial role in determining its damage performance. While extensive research has been conducted on explosive detonation driving and dynamic performance, there is a lack of reports regarding fragmentation arrangement methods. This study primarily focuses on the precise arrangement of spherical fragments within a warhead, building upon the conventional cylindrical warhead design. We discuss two main types of fragment arrangements: staggered and centripetal. Furthermore, the analysis further into staggered arrangements with single-layer, double-layer, triple-layer, and multi-layer configurations, providing a theoretical calculation formula for determining the thickness of the spherical fragment module. Finally, we explore the impact of charge radius and fragment size on the module thickness, noting a gradual increase in thickness with larger fragment radius and charge radius, before eventually stabilizing. Additionally, it investigates the effects of double-layer and triple-layer spherical fragment arrangements on warhead quality using a Φ350 mm ×1200 mm cylindrical warhead. The findings suggest that staggered arrangement of spherical fragments can enhance charge quality and overall damage performance of the warhead while offering valuable insights for the designing of high-quality blast-fragmentation warheads.