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US 7,067,732 B1Granted
Apparatus for utilizing waste heat from weapon propulsion system to produce vapor explosion
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorRobert Kuklinski
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Abstract
The apparatus of the present invention uses waste heat generated by a weapon propulsion system to melt and ultimately superheat metal. Upon termination of the weapon mission, the apparatus explodes thereby causing molten and superheated metal to be instantly introduced to the liquid medium through which the weapon travels. The reaction of the molten and superheated metal with the liquid medium produces a vapor explosion that significantly enhances the effectiveness and lethality of the weapon.
Claims7
A weapon propulsion system, comprising:
- an outer shell defining a chamber having a nozzle port, the outer shell having a plurality of seams that are configured to rupture upon an explosion occurring within the chamber;
- a body portion disposed within the outer shell and being composed of a first metal having a first predetermined melting temperature, the body portion having a propulsion device space formed therein, the propulsion device space having an opening that is substantially aligned with the nozzle port;
- an explosive device embedded in the body portion;
- an electrical link joined to the explosive device and capable of transmitting an electrical signal that detonates the explosive device, the electrical link extending from the body portion;
- and
- a propulsion device positioned within the propulsion device space of the body portion and having a nozzle extending through the opening and nozzle port, the propulsion device generating an amount of heat during operation thereof sufficient to melt at least a portion of the body portion.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.