A Shaped Charge (SC) is an explosive device used to focus a detonation in a desired direction, and has applications in oil extraction, weaponry and demolition. The focusing relies on a void in the explosive mass, shaped by a metal liner that becomes a super-heated projectile during detonation. Additive Manufacturing (AM) allows greater design freedom and geometric complexity for the liner portion of the SC. Specifically, hierarchical structuring and functional grading can potentially provide greater velocity, directionality, and efficiency. In this work, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is used to explore different geometries for an SC liner made out of SS 304L. These are detonated using the explosive Composition C-4 to evaluate performance metrics, depth and stand off, and are observed using high-speed imaging. The effects of the SLM processed microstructure is also compared to conventionally formed liners. The work shows the potential for advanced shaped charges produced using SLM.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/phillip-mulligan/10/