Weapon Applications Research Articles

Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Rare-Earth Magnesium Alloys Based on Convolutional Neural Networks.

Rare-earth magnesium alloys exhibit higher comprehensive mechanical properties compared to other series of magnesium alloys, effectively expanding their applications in aerospace, weapons, and other fields. In this work, the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of a Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr rare-earth magnesium alloy under different process conditions were determined, and a large number of microstructure observations and analyses were carried out for the tensile specimens; a prediction model of the corresponding mechanical properties was established by using a convolutional neural network (CNN), in which the metallographic diagram of the rare-earth magnesium alloy was taken as the input, and the corresponding tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and three mechanical properties were taken as the output. The stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm was used for parameter optimization and experimental validation, and the results showed that the average relative errors of the tensile strength and yield strength prediction results were 1.90% and 3.14%, respectively, which were smaller than the expected error of 5%.

Enhanced Optical Limiting of Gold Nanoparticles/Porous Carbon Nanocomposites.

With the wide application of laser weapons, the requirements of laser protection technology are becoming more and more strict. Therefore, it is important to find ideal optical limiting (OL) materials to protect human eyes and detectors. In this work, the nonlinear optical responses of gold nanoparticles/porous carbon (Au NPs/PC) nanocomposites prepared by the reduction method were studied using the nanosecond Z-scan technique. Compared with porous carbon, the Au NPs/PC nanocomposites show a lower damage threshold, a bigger optical limiting index and a wider absorption spectrum. The interaction between gold nanoparticles and porous carbon enhances the nonlinear scattering effect of suspended bubbles. These results indicate that Au NPs composites have potential applications in the protection of human eyes and detectors.

The Employment of Nuclear Weapons, Constitution and Society

The most unanswered question today is whether or not a country will employ the atomic bomb. Could we get the result that we never again have to deal with the question at all? Experts can answer this question with uncertainty by analysing the current wars and the possibility of weaponising outer space. In this study, I collected and analysed the things necessary for a country to use the atomic bomb. These conditions are obstacles rather than opportunities for using the most destructive weapon ever created by humanity. In the course of my conclusions, I looked for the answer of whether it is possible to say with absolute certainty that the nuclear bomb is likely to be used, and whether its use can be ruled out. In the second part of the thesis, I analysed the constitutional regulation of the application of nuclear weapons and the involvement of societies.

Закон поражения целей и функция победы в бою (сражении, операции)

Закон поражения целей и функция победы в бою (сражении, операции) Having taken the law of target defeat of A. N. Kolmogorov as a basis and using the methods of probability theory, the transition from the models of application of individual and group weapons to the aggregated model of combat (battle, operation) is carried out. The victory function is one of the varieties of conflict functions, satisfies the axioms of S. Skaperdas and belongs to the class of models based on the relationship between the potentials of the parties. The scale parameter of the victory function is estimated according to the data of military statistics and substantively. It is shown that the uncertainties of the outcome of combat operations are significantly reduced when moving from the tactical level to the operational level, and from the operational level to the strategic level. The concept of a combat unit, which is basic in the theory of combat potentials, has been clarified. The justified victory function allows to analyze multi-scale combat actions from a unified position and is designed to solve the following problems: firstly, the assessment of combat capabilities of the parties in the preparation of combat actions, secondly, justification of the main elements of the commander's (commander's) plan for combat actions (determination of the directions of the main strike and concentration of the main forces as a result of solving game-theoretic problems), thirdly, justification of the composition and appearance of prospective combat formations.

Diatomite@MoS2 Nanocomposite Layers as Composite Coating Targeting for Mg Alloys Endowed with Properties of Anticorrosion and Antiwear.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) demonstrates promising applications in enhancing the corrosion and wear resistance of metals, but the susceptibility of this nanomaterial to agglomeration hinders its overall performance. In this study, the externally assisted corrosion inhibitor sodium molybdate (SM) was successfully constructed in diatomaceous earth (DE) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). This not only served as a molybdenum source for MoS2 but also enabled the preparation of DE@MoS2-SM microcapsules, achieving a corrosion inhibitor loading of up to 23.23%. The corrosion testing reveals that the composite coating, when compared to the pure epoxy coating, exhibits an impedance modulus 2 orders of magnitude higher (1.80 × 109 Ω·cm2), offering prolonged protection for magnesium alloys over a 40 day period. Furthermore, a filler content of 3% sustains a coefficient of friction (COF) at 0.55 for an extended duration, indicating commendable stability and wear resistance. The protective performance is ascribed to the synergistic enhancement of corrosion and wear resistance in the coatings, facilitated by the pore structure of DE, the high hardness of MoS2, and the obstructive influence of Na2MoO4. This approach offers a straightforward and efficient means of designing microcapsules for use in corrosive environments, whose application can be extended in industrial fields. In particular, we promote the application of nautical instruments, underwater weapons, and seawater batteries in the shipbuilding industry and marine engineering.

ВПЛИВ ПОГОДНИХ УМОВ НА РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ КІНЕТИЧНОЇ ЗБРОЇ НЕСМЕРТЕЛЬНОЇ ДІЇ

Currently, when designing non-lethal kinetic weapons, the degree of protection of the target provided by clothing items, especially during cold seasons, is not considered. As a result of the loss of part of the energy of the impact element on deformation and destruction of clothing items, the effects on the target can significantly differ from those calculated for normal conditions and exceed permissible limits. This may lead to the failure of the firing task due to insufficient or excessive action of the impact element on the target. For the purpose of determining the influence of the degree of target protection by clothing items on the results of the action of the impact element, natural experimental studies were conducted using a pneumatic ballistic installation and a target simulator made of ballistic plasticine "Beschussmasse". The results yielded empirical dependencies of the penetration depth of the impact element from its velocity upon meeting the target for several protection variants of the object of weapon application by clothing items. These dependencies can be used during the design of non-lethal kinetic weapons, as well as for selecting models of such weapons from those available to perform firing tasks in specific temperature conditions. The work also draws attention to the need to consider the influence of the temperature of the powder on the burning rate and muzzle velocity of the impact element. To increase the effectiveness of the application of non-lethal kinetic weapons, it is proposed to develop a set of ammunition for such weapons with different masses of powder charge, which would correspond to the ambient temperature and take into account the degree of protection of the object of weapon application by clothing items and the dependency of the burning rate of the powder on the temperature. The direction for further research is to study the influence of the hardness of the impact element of the non-lethal kinetic weapons on the results of its action on the target.

Management of severe defects of humerus in combat patients injured in Russo-Ukrainian war

IntroductionRusso-Ukrainian war is associated with application of high-energy weapon, causing severe multifragmental injuries to the bones an associating with severe bone defects.The aim of the study was to evaluate various methods to treat combat patients with severe defects of humerus and to demonstrate the experience of orthopedic war surgeons in managing gunshot injuries to the humerus defects in the ongoing war. Patients and methodsA 24 patients were active-duty military personnel of Armed Forces of Ukraine. These patients were diagnosed with severe humerus defects due to gunshot injury in battlefield zone in various areas of Ukraine. Data was collected within period between February, 24th 2022 till January, 01st 2023. The following approaches were applied to replace bone defect: preoperative 3D printing with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as orthobiological material; closed reduction, percutaneous lag screw and Ilizarov external fixation; vascularized fibula grafting. ResultsData analyses of the segmental defects of humerus showed 5 cm defect in 3 (13 %) patients, from 5 to 10 cm in 4 (17 %) patients, over 10 cm in 17 (71 %) patients. Analyses were performed in these 17 (71 %) patients, showing 5 patients treated with 3D-printed PEEK implants, 6 patients with vascular-pedicle graft of fibula, 6 patients with closed reduction, percutaneous lag screw, Ilizarov external fixation. Osteomyelitis was diagnosed in one case (20 %) after the use of PEEK implants, requiring to remove both PEEK implant and metal implants followed by application of the antibiotic joint spacers and Ex-Fix fragments of the humerus. In our opinion, the osteomyelitis happened due to inadequate debridement of the wound and non-compliance with the conversion criteria (replacement of the fixation method). The mean length of hospital stay was 5.5 months for patients treated with 3D-printed PEEK implants. ConclusionsClosed reduction, percutaneous lag screw and Ilizarov external fixation as well as vascularized fibula grafting are associated with good outcomes in management of the patients with severe humerus defect due to gunshot injury. 3D printing and PEEK implants could also be considered for the reconstructions of the humerus multifragmental fractures with a bone defect over 10 cm associated with gunshot injury due to high-energy weapon in the war settings.

Significantly improved interfacial properties of silicon dioxide nanowire functionalized poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) wave-transparent laminated composites

Poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin have been widely acknowledged as excellent wave-transparent materials for future high-frequency applications due to their exceptional dielectric properties. However, the weak interfacial bonding between these two materials hampers their full potential. In this study, we successfully addressed this limitation by enhancing the surface roughness of PBO fibers and introducing active sites through the in-situ grafting of silica nanowires. The added silica acted as an interfacial anchor on the PBO fiber surface, significantly improving the bonding force between PBO and PTFE. PBO/PTFE wave-transparent laminated composites were fabricated using hot compression molding. The results demonstrate that the PBO (treated with in-situ grown silica)/PTFE laminated composites exhibit superior interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength, flexural modulus, and tensile modulus compared to the pristine PBO/PTFE laminated composites. Specifically, these properties are found to be 58.6%, 32.9%, 138.1%, and 25.35% higher, respectively. Additionally, these composites demonstrate low dielectric constant and dielectric loss. Most notably, they achieve a wave transmittance of 91.45% at 10 GHz, indicating significant potential for wide-range applications in next-generation advanced military weapons, such as “lightweight/high-strength/wave-transparent” electromagnetic window materials, as well as civilian communication base stations.

Оцінка наслідків застосування тактичної ядерної зброї на населення та інфраструктуру в районах ядерного вибуху

The article analyzes the process of formation and establishes the characteristics of the striking factors of a nuclear explosion of tactical nuclear ammunition with a power of 0.1 to 10 kt when damaging military facilities and the accompanying damage to the population of civilian communities and personnel of infrastructure facilities. Calculated are data on the parameters of air shock wave action zones, penetrating radiation flow, light pulse energy beam flow, and the dimensions of the zone of radioactive contamination of the area, which can create a negative impact on the population, residential buildings, personnel, and critical infrastructure facilities in the area of application of tactical nuclear weapons. It is shown that the zone affected by an air shock wave, depending on the type of explosion of tactical nuclear ammunition and its power, can reach a radius of up to 3100 m. Dangerous light pulse damage to the population and personnel located in the open area will be observed at a distance of 440 to 3700 m from the epicenter of the nuclear explosion. The negative impact of the penetrating radiation of a nuclear explosion on the population and personnel of critical infrastructure facilities will be observed at distances from 560 to 1300 m, depending on the type of explosion and the power of the tactical nuclear ammunition. The dimensions of the zone of radioactive contamination, in the case of the explosion of tactical nuclear ammunition, in which the most severe degree of radiation damage to the population and personnel of critical infrastructure objects will be observed, with their open location in the area, depending on the power and type of explosion, can reach from 1400 to 2600 m. And the zone in which it is necessary to carry out the priority immediate evacuation of the population can be from 3.4 to 44.0 km in the direction of the average wind. It was determined that the scale of radioactive contamination of the area will have the greatest values of the size of the areas of negative impact relative to other types of impressive factors of the nuclear explosion of tactical nuclear ammunition. In large areas of the regions adjacent to the area of application of the specified ammunition, a significant negative radiation effect will be created, which will require measures of radiation protection and evacuation of the population.

Analysis of a Marine Propeller using Panel Method

In the recent past National Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) has taken up work in Naval CFD for high-speed submerged vehicle and weapon applications. In this paper a problem handled at NSTL using CFD tools in conjunction with the model tests on some cases of submerged body propulsor design will be described and the advantages of such a method will be highlighted. A code developed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) using constant source and doublet distributions, has been used for the analysis and the results have been compared with model tests carried out in the High Speed Towing Tank (HSTT) at NSTL.

Oblique laser transmission and scattering characteristics of multilayer ice-water mixed clouds based on the successive scattering method

Clouds are widely distributed in the atmosphere, which is an important factor affecting the laser engineering application. In the paper, we developed a scattering transmission model of laser light in multilayer ice-water mixed clouds for applications in laser communication, laser detection, and laser weapons. Based on the successive scattering method, the direct transmission and first-order scattering of the laser between an aircraft and a target are numerically calculated in different cloud structures. The effects of the vertical structure of the clouds and the position of the aircraft and the target on the laser scattering are analyzed. The results show that the direct transmission can always have minimal and maximal values at the bottom and top of the clouds, respectively, while the peak of the first-order scattering appears near the top of the clouds. Compared to ice clouds, water clouds will produce a huge attenuation of the laser transmission. Our results can provide theoretical guidance for engineering applications in the real cloud environment.

Efficiency analysis of intercepting UAV swarm by various air defense methods

In order to accurately intercept incoming swarm targets and improve interception efficiency, the interception efficiency of various air defense equipment was studied. The paper introduces the current ways to deal with the UAV swarm, and establishes the mathematical model of different types of interception equipment; Under the premise of given interception probability, the time and cost of different interception methods are calculated respectively, and the weight distribution is used to analyze the interception efficiency of different weapons. According to the analysis process and results, the interception effectiveness of different weapons is sorted. The analysis results show that the analysis has certain practicability, which can support the development and application of air defense interception weapons and equipment to a certain extent, and has practical reference value and significance.

Research on the Mode for New Quality Air Defense Weapons Integration into Air Defense System

To address the evolving problem of how to applicate the increasingly developed laser, microwave, electromagnetic rail gun and other new quality air defense weapons after they are integrated into the air defense system, this paper summarizes three development states of the new quality air defense weapons system, namely, a small amount of equipment, a large number of equipment and intelligent integration, based on the performance development of new quality air defense weapons. For the first time, the system proposes three combat modes of new quality air defense weapons, namely, “pointed mode”, “layered mode” and “networked mode”, the air raid threat and application of each mode are clarified. This will provide ideas and methods for the operational application of new air quality defense weapons at different stages of development.

Effect of Wave Phases and Heights on Supercavitation Flow Field and Dynamic Characteristics of Successively Fired High-Speed Projectiles

The study of the water entry of successively fired projectiles under a wave environment is of great significance for the development and application of supercavitation weapons. In this paper, the supercavitating flow field of two successively fired projectiles entering water under different wave conditions is numerically simulated by the volume of the fraction model considering the cavitation of water. The motion of projectiles is handled by the overlapping grid technology and the simulated projectiles have six degrees of freedom. The effects of different wave phases and wave heights on the supercavitating flow field and the dynamic loads of the projectiles are studied. The research results show that the wave phase has an effect on the evolution and size of the supercavitation and the effect of the wave phase on the water splash above the free surface is more obvious. The peak of the drag force of the first projectile under conditions of different wave phases with 0.12 m wave height can be reduced by about 50% compared with that under the no-wave condition. The wave phases have an effect on the peak of the drag coefficient, and for the first projectile the peak under the condition of the 180° phase is about 40% lower than that of the 0° phase. The peak of the drag coefficient of the first projectile decreases with the increase in wave height. When the wave height increases from 0.0 m to 0.05 m, the peak value decreases by about 45%. For all conditions, regardless of wave phases or wave heights, the peak of the drag coefficient of the second projectile is obviously much lower than that of the first projectile. Accordingly, the decrease in the velocity of the second projectile is far slower than that of the first one. Negative values of the drag coefficient on the second projectile are observed when the second projectile enters the cavity of the first one.

Autonomous Weapons and the Right to Self-Defence

AbstractThis article focuses on the application of autonomous weapons (AWs) in defensive systems and, consequently, assesses the conditions of the legality of employing such weapons from the perspective of the right to self-defence. How far may humans exert control over AWs? Are there any legal constraints in using AWs for the purpose of self-defence? How does their use fit into the traditional criteria of self-defence? The article claims that there are no legal grounds to exclude AWs in advance from being employed to exercise the right to self-defence. In general, the legality of their use depends on how they were pre-programmed by humans and whether they were activated under proper circumstances. The article is divided into three parts. The first discusses how human control over AWs affects the legality of their use. Secondly, the article analyses the criteria of necessity and proportionality during the exercise of the right to self-defence in the context of the employment of AWs. Finally, the use of AWs for anticipatory, pre-emptive or preventive self-defence is investigated.

Shaping officer behaviour through training and policy

Abstract Academic research aimed at measuring changes in officer behaviour typically focuses on agencies’ implementation of new training or modifications to policy. However, programmes to change officer behaviour are more likely to be successful when changes in policies are coupled with effective training. This paper reviews the importance of coupling training and policy changes to maximize the chances of modifying an officer’s behaviour. As an example, we present results from a quasi-experimental evaluation of a training programme paired with a policy modification regarding the application of an electronic control weapon (ECW). The evaluation used videos of a use-of-force encounter integrated into a pre- and post-survey asking officers for their recommended levels of force in the encounter. Results demonstrate that officers evaluated the circumstance differently after completing the training component and were less likely to recommend the use of the ECW.

Fundamental legal principles for application of coercive measures by military servicemen and employees of the State border guard service of Ukraine

Changing threats and challenges to border security, armed aggression of the Russian Federation, a significant level of cross-border delinquency necessitate the need to determine the legal basis for coercive measures, military equipment and weapons by the personnel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (hereinafter -SBGS). After all, the tools with which border guards are "armed" in counteracting offenses must ensure: 1) the ability to exercise their powers; 2) prevention of violation of the rights and freedoms of individuals in the course of these activities; 3) protection of life and health, property of law enforcement officers and their relatives from unlawful encroachments in connection with their official activities. The purpose of the article is to determine the state of legal regulation of relations in the field of coercive measures by SBGS servicemen and employees, signs and general conditions of legality of their use and application, as well as formulate proposals for improving legislation on legal regulation of coercive measures application by border guards.
 The peculiarities of application of coercive means, military equipment and weapons by the SBGS servicemen and employees are related to the dual status of the SBGS as a military formation and as a law enforcement agency, which affects the legal status of SBGS personnel. This entails assigning a double task to the SBGS: 1) ensuring military law and order and 2) ensuring law and order in the border area of Ukraine. The application of coercive measures while performing the first task is regulated by the Regulations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and while performing the second task – both by the Law of Ukraine “On the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine” and the Regulations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
 The analysis of the norms of the Law of Ukraine “On the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine” shows the lack of a systematic approach to the legal regulation of preventive measures and coercive measures as types of police measures. The names of coercive measures defined in Art. 21 of the Law of Ukraine “On the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine” need to be edited. The research established the relationship between coercive measures and circumstances that exclude criminal unlawfulness of an action, defined signs of coercive measures and identified general conditions for the legality of the use and application of coercive measures. At the same time, further research is needed on the signs and conditions of legality of use and application of certain coercive measures defined in the Law of Ukraine “On the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine” in order to effectively and lawfully apply them.

Influences of floating ice on the vertical water entry process of a trans-media projectile at high speeds

It is of great significance to study the hydrodynamic process of trans-media projectiles passing through ice-water mixture at high speeds for the application of weapons in low-temperature environments of high-latitude water areas during the winter. Based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model, the processes of a projectile vertically entering water (without floating ice) and passing through ice-water mixture without collision with ice at different initial high speeds were studied. The influences caused by the ice on the cavity evolution, flow field characteristics, hydrodynamic and ballistic characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that the floating ice alters the volume of air that is sucked into the cavity by hindering the diffusion and contraction movement of the liquid at the gas-liquid interface, changing the degree of cavitation and the formation and development modes of the cavity. It causes a different evolution of the cavity shape, delays the cavity closure, and affects the hydrodynamic force and ballistic characteristics of the projectile ultimately. With increasing velocity, the influence of ice on cavity shape reduces, however, on projectile ballistics, it enhances. The results can provide some theoretical references for further application research on trans-media weapons in floating ice environments.

Optimized impedance matching of micro-porous silicon dioxide coated graphite nanosheets as remarkable microwave absorber

Despite the high electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation capabilities, graphite nanosheets (GNs) are still facing great challenges as absorbing material owing to the strong reflection. Herein, a porous silicon dioxide coated GNs (PSi@GNs) is designed by sol–gel reaction to optimize the impedance matching of GNs. The coated porous SiO2 can not only balance the impedance between GNs and air, preventing the EMW reflection, but also increase the interfacial polarization behavior and benefit polarization loss. As a result, the as-synthesized SiO2/GNs exhibits superior EMW absorption performances with the minimum reflection loss (RL) value of −59.835 dB and effective absorbing bandwidth (EAB) of 3.36 GHz at 3.22 mm (25% filled). The advantages of the PSi@GNs potential applications in military radar, electronic communication, weapons and other fields.

Model Predictive Tracking Control With Parameter Estimation for Spin-Stabilized Indirect Fire Symmetric Projectiles

Abstract Impact point prediction, estimation, and control is a critical component of many smart weapons applications. In this work, I propose a method for estimating and controlling impact points of indirect fire launches for a spin-stabilized symmetric projectile with forward-mounted canard actuators. My method uses an algebraic point mass model to enable parameter estimation for time-varying parameters within a separate linear prediction model that can be leveraged for real-time impact point control. The point mass model also serves as the basis for a reference trajectory for any launch condition and thus eliminates the need for obtaining preloaded reference trajectories. I then use a linear prediction model in conjunction with the parameter estimates to synthesize a linear MPC tracking control algorithm for projectile impact point control. The MPC tracking controller allows incorporation of actuator saturation constraints and is shown to successfully guide a set of indirect fire launches toward a desired downrange target. A comparative case study to existing work in the literature shows that the proposed method results in a 56% reduction in the CEP radius, which is a prescribed radius such that half of the points of a given set lie within the circle, for a set of 50 yaw and pitch launch angle pairs.