Design and Margin Verification of a Through Bulkhead Initiator Applicable to Flexible Confined Detonating Cord

• Published in: International journal of aeronautical and space sciences 2023, 24(5), , pp.1323-1335
• Main Authors: Kang, WonKyu, Jang, Seung-gyo, Han, Doo-Hee, Hwang, Hee-Seong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Engineering; Fluid- and Aerodynamics; Original Paper; 항공우주공학
• ISSN: 2093-274X; 2093-2480
• DOI: 10.1007/s42405-023-00586-4

In this study, a through bulkhead initiator (TBI) used in connection with a flexible confined detonating cord (FCDC) was designed, and its margin was evaluated for each design factor. The TBI housing is designed with cold-worked AISI 304 stainless steel, and its inner space is designed to accommodate high explosives and a pyrotechnic charge. The bulkhead facilitates shock transfer and acts as an airtight barrier of a closed vessel in which TBI is assembled. Its shape and thickness are designed considering the structural integrity and shock transfer characteristics for initiating high explosives. A closed bomb (or vessel) test (CBT) and dent test were performed to evaluate the margins of the design factors. The CBT is utilized to verify the design margins of the closure disk, the gap between the FCDC and TBI donor charge, bulkhead thickness, and amounts of high explosives. The dent test was used to evaluate the margin of the detonating cord with the TBI interface. The design margins and reliability of TBI with FCDC are discussed considering the margin verification tests.