Size distribution of fragments generated by detonation of fragmenting warheads

Abstract

The paper considers statistical aspects of high explosive warhead fragmentation. Modeling of fragment size (mass) distribution is of the great importance for determination of fragmenting warhead efficiency. Seven relevant theoretical fragmentation mass distribution models are reviewed: the Mott, the generalized Mott, the Grady, the generalized Grady, the lognormal, the Weibull and the Held distribution. Comparison of these models with representative experimental database of 30 fragmenting projectiles has shown generally very good correspondence between theoretical models and experimental data. The analysis has indicated that the generalized Mott, the generalized Grady and the Weibull distribution enable the best description of experimental fragment mass distribution data. The generalized Grady distribution has somewhat better results, and its bimodal characteristic can be physically justified. Suggested theoretical fragment mass distribution laws will be applied in a complex fragmenting projectile efficiency simulation model.