Kinetic energy absorber

• US 7,913,626 B1
• Filed: 07/16/2008
• Issued: 03/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The United States Government As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
• Original Assignee: The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
• Inventors: Reinhardt, Lyonel, Carlucci, Pasquale, Payne, Nicholas
• Primary Examiner(s): Bergin; James S
• Application Number:
  US12/173,986
• Time in Patent Office: 986 Days
• Field of Search: 102/502, 102/529, 102/501, 102/517
• US Class Current: 102/517
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/46 Streamlined nose cones; Windshields; Radomes F42B12/105 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/34 expanding before or on impact, i.e. of dumdum or mushroom type
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/74 of the core or solid body
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/745 the core being made of plastics; Compounds or blends of plastics and other materials, e.g. fillers

Abstract

A kinetic energy absorbing apparatus includes a body having a generally ogival exterior surface; and at least one kinetic energy absorbing structure (KEAS) extending generally rearwardly from substantially an interior surface of the body.

Claims

1. A projectile which includes a kinetic energy absorbing apparatus, said projectile comprising a projectile body having a generally ogival exterior surface and at least one kinetic energy absorbing structure (KEAS) said KEAS comprising a plurality of constituent at least one KEAS extending generally rearwardly from substantially an interior surface of the projectile body, wherein a longitudinal axis of the projectile body and a longitudinal axis of the at least one KEAS are substantially parallel, said projectile further comprising a spacer, the spacer being disposed between the projectile body and the at least one KEAS, the spacer including at least one forwardly extending member that meshes with the at least one KEAS, wherein such KEAS comprise one or more of generally hollow:

tubes, polyhedrons, and conical structures.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein wall thicknesses of the KEAS are of the same thickness.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein wall thicknesses of the KEAS vary from one KEAS to another KEAS.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a wall thickness of a KEAS varies.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a KEAS includes a longitudinal rib.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a KEAS includes at least one slot, the slot beginning at an aft terminus of the KEAS and extending forwardly.