Shaped charge having multi-point initiation for well perforating guns and method

An improved shaped charge for use in a perforating gun of the type positionable in a subterranean well for perforating a selected formation, the shaped charge being activated by a primer cord in the perforating gun, the shaped charge comprising:

• a cup-shaped charge body having an aperture at its rearward end aligned with an axis of the shaped charge and having a generally parabolic interior surface extending uniformly from the aperture to a front end of the charge body;
• a generally conical-shaped insert housed within the charge body with its apex adjacent the aperture in the rearward end of the charge body, the insert at least partially defining each of a plurality of passageways each extending from the apex of the insert to a terminal point spaced substantially from the axis of the shaped charge;
• a generally parabolic-shaped liner housed within the charge body having its apex generally aligned with the axis of the shaped charge and its perimeter portion adjacent the interior surface of the charge body, the linear and the interior surface of the charge body defining a cavity in the charge body;
• a first explosive in each of the passageways formed by the insert for transmitting energy from the primer cord to multiple points spaced from the axis of the shaped charge;
• said insert being formed form a selected material having a speed of shock wave transmission less than approximately 60% of the velocity of detonation of the first explosive;
• said insert having a planar surface at the terminal point of each of said passageways perpendicular to the axis of said liner;
• a second explosive in the cavity of the charge body and adjacent the terminal point of each passageway for initiation by the first explosive, such that the second explosive is initiated at multiple points each spaced from the axis of the shaped charge.