Comparison of lethal zone characteristics of several natural fragmenting warheads

Central European Journal of Energetic Materials, 2008, 5(2), - 67-81 pp.Research of HE warheads lethal zone is very complex topic because of large number of controlled and independent, sometimes correlated, influencing factors. Capability for prediction of lethal zone is based on complexity of databases regarding natural fragmentation parameters, which should contain data about warhead body material characteristics, types of explosive charge, number, mass, initial velocity and spatial distribution of fragments, battlefield terrain, distribution of soldiers on battlefield, etc. Based on experimental research (fragmentation test in Arena facilities with two types of artillery projectiles and two types of rocket warheads), analytical and numerical methods used - projectiles lethal zones are predicted and analyzed. Influence of projectile design and explosive charges on warhead lethal zone is analyzed.