An investigation of the characteristics of linear shaped charges used in demolition

There are two major types of shaped charges, conical and linear (Ref 1, 2). Conical shaped charges are used to perforate targets and are mainly used by the military as anti armor weapons and by the oil industry for oil well perforation. In contrast linear shaped charges are primarily used to cut metal in the demolition industry with other uses including separating devices in the space industry. There is a large amount of material published on conical shaped charges because of the high level of defense industry research and funding, however in stark contrast there is very little published on linear shaped charges. A basic investigation of the functioning of linear shaped charges is presented. Rather than concentrating on cutting ability, seldom mentioned important parameters are documented and quantified including: run up distance, priming, end effects, the angle of attack of the shaped charge jet and shrapnel patterns. The work was carried out using predominantly 500 grain per foot commercial linear shaped charges and steel targets (longer than the shaped charge). After each test the target plate was sectioned to reveal the penetration profile.