Design of Largest Shaped Charge: Generation of Very Large Diameter, Deep Holes in Rock and Concrete Structures

: This report documents the design at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) of the largest known conical shaped charge (CSC). This CSC was designed specifically to generate a very large hole diameter and a substantial jet penetration depth in hard rock and concrete structures as part of the Cruise Missile Program. The charge will fit in the existing volume between the missile body and the PEN-X penetrator weapon that it carries. The CSC jet produces a hole in a hard rock or concrete target with a hole profile such that the penetrator precursor deceleration loads are reduced sufficiently to allow the weapon components to function successfully at maximum penetration depth. Additionally, the precursor hole will allow substantially deeper penetration into the target to obtain good coupling at the rock or concrete interface, thus allowing the maximum shock or stress wave transmission into the target when the weapon is detonated. A parametric study was conducted using the Shaped Charge Analysis Program (SCAP) code to design this 28 inch outside diameter by 28.5 inch long CSC. The total charge weight was about 900 pounds. The total weight of Octol explosive was about 600 pounds.