Disposal of munitions

摘要

A method is described for safely opening the shell of a munition (10) having an inner chamber containing an explosive material. The method comprises the steps of machining a groove (20) into the shell along a parting line that encircles the outer surface of the munition and divides the shell into two parts. The groove (20) is of sufficient depth to weaken the shell but not to penetrate into the inner chamber of the munition. After machining the groove (20), the shell is cracked open by prising the two parts of the shell apart by inserting a suitable implement into the groove.

主权项

1. A method of opening a shell of a munition having an inner chamber containing an explosive material, the method comprising the steps of:
machining a groove into the shell along a parting line that encircles an outer surface of the munition and divides the shell into two parts, the groove being of sufficient depth to weaker the shell but not to penetrate into the inner chamber of the munition; cracking open the shell by prising the two parts of the shell apart at the groove; and measuring the thickness of the shell on a parting line utilizing one of ultrasound and X-rays prior to machining to avoid the machined groove penetrating into the inner chamber of the munition.