CHEMICAL INITIATION OF DETONATION IN FUEL-AIR EXPLOSIVE CLOUDS

摘要

The invention relates to the chemical initiation of detonation of a fuel-in-air (FAE) cloud such as might be used in a minefield breaching system. A component of the system is adapted to carry fuel to the breaching site and is also adapted to carry a compatible chemical, either gaseous or liquid. Upon detonation of a suitable explosive within the component the fuel is dispersed outwardly to form the cloud and the chemical is jetted outwardly into the cloud in a turbulent manner. A chemical reaction between the chemical initiator and the fuel-air mixture leads almost instantaneously to an explosive shock wave that propagates through the cloud causing detonation thereof. Such detonation neutralizes the minefield along a desired path. With the invention it is not necessary to utilize secondary charges and hence a more efficient and reliable breaching system is achieved.