Apparatus and method for focusing of explosions

Abstract

Device for producing focused explosions, comprises a rigid outer shell, an explosive filling, the explosive filling comprising a plurality of inwardly extending hollows; and a gap defined between the explosive filling and the rigid outer shell.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Device for producing focused explosions in a fluid, comprising:
 an explosive body, the explosive body comprising a plurality of hollows extending inwardly along respective axes towards an apex;   at least one detonation point within said explosive body, each axis and corresponding apex being aligned with at least one said detonation point; and   wherein said fluid extends inwardly of said hollows.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said hollows are symmetrical along an axis extending into said explosive filling, and/or are cone-shaped. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the hollows have bases at the surface of the explosive filling, each base having a respective radius. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said explosive filling is covered with an outer coating, said coating extending into said hollows. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said outer coating comprises electroplating. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said outer coating comprises one member of the group consisting of copper and aluminum and alloys. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid outer shell comprises one member of the group consisting of metal, aluminum and ceramics. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid outer shell describes at least part of a sphere. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is water. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , configured for use in an underwater environment. 
     
     
         11 . Device for producing focused explosions, comprising:
 a rigid outer shell;   an explosive filling, the explosive filling comprising a plurality of hollows extending inwardly along respective axes towards an apex; and   at least one detonation point within said explosive filling, each axis and corresponding apex being aligned with at least one said detonation point.   
     
     
         12 . Device for producing focused explosions, comprising:
 a rigid outer shell;   an explosive filling, the explosive filling comprising a plurality of hollows, the hollows being lined with a coating, the coating comprising one member of the group consisting of copper and aluminum and alloys extending inwardly along respective axes towards an apex; and   at least one detonation point within said explosive filling, each axis and corresponding apex being aligned with at least one said detonation point.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said hollows are symmetrical along an axis extending into said explosive filling, and/or are cone-shaped. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the hollows have bases at the surface of the explosive filling, each base having a respective radius. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said explosive filling is covered with an outer coating, said coating extending into said hollows. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said outer coating comprises electroplating. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said outer coating comprises one member of the group consisting of copper and aluminum and alloys. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said rigid outer shell comprises one member of the group consisting of metal and ceramics. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said rigid outer shell comprises aluminum.