A linear shaped charge (LSC) is an explosive device used in demolition, aerospace, and in other applications that require the cutting of metal. Users of LSC\u27s typically know the size of shaped charge needed to cut their target but commonly encounter previously untested materials. The motivation for this thesis is to provide an understanding as to what target material properties are good indicators of cutting performance so the selection of LSC can be more efficient. The author found that penetration theories for other types shaped charges were insufficient for the LSC, possibly because of the relatively slow projectile created by an LSC compared to that of, for example, a conical shaped charge (CSC). Penetration theories describing the performance of CSCs are inadequate for predicting LSC performance because of the differences in penetrator formation and velocity.
This report gauges the success and performance of LSC by the amount of penetration seen in the target. The material properties of targets that have the most effect on penetration were studied by firing LSCs into metal targets. Target materials and LSC sizes were chosen based on availability, input from industry, and the range of material properties they represented.
This report concludes that ultimate tensile strength of the target plays a greater role in resisting penetration by the copper projectile from an LSC than the target material\u27s density or yield strength, which are influential components in early CSC penetration theories --Abstract, page iii
