Piezoelectric pebble explosive

Abstract

An explosive device includes a hollow container having an inner volume holding an explosive. A piezoelectric ceramic connected to the container also has an electrical connection to the explosive. A deformation of the container applies mechanical stress to the piezoelectric ceramic which produces a potential difference or an electric current discharged using the electrical connection. The discharge detonates the explosive. The piezoelectric ceramic may be inside the container or on an outer surface and may be later inserted into the container to arm the explosive device. The container may have an outer surface that is an electrical insulator to prevent accidental electrostatic detonation. The explosive is optionally a plastic explosive. The electrical connection to the explosive optionally includes electrical conductors spaced apart to form a gap that is dimensioned to enable a spark to cross the gap when the piezoelectric ceramic deforms a pre-designated amount.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.