Design of device for testing the energy of explosion shock waves based on a lever-type cutting energy-absorbing structure

Abstract

Explosion shock waves are the main cause of target destruction when ammunition explodes. Parameter testing of these waves is important. Traditional equivalent testing methods exhibit limited quantification capabilities and are exclusively applicable to near-field shock wave testing. In this study, a testing device was designed to quantitatively assess shock wave energy. The designed testing device consists of an energy conversion structure, energy absorbing element (EAE), and a package shell. The cutting energy absorption method is used to absorb the explosion shock wave energy, and the cutting tool and lever structure are combined to improve the sensitivity. The variation of the velocity of the energy conversion structure with its geometric size was obtained through theoretical formulas and numerical simulations. The EAE was designed with rigid polyurethane foam. Different cutting areas and cutting depths are compared to obtain the best design of cutting parameters. The feasibility of the testing device was evaluated by explosion test. The applicable range of the scaled distance for the testing device was found to be 1.5–2.5 m kg−1/3. The testing device has the advantage of obtaining effective test results when the direction of the explosion center is unknown. The proposed testing device offers a new technical method for quantitatively evaluating the damage power of explosion shock waves in complex environments.