TESTING A PRECISION INITIATION COUPLER BY DETONATION INDUCED CAVITY COLLAPSE METHOD

Abstract

Precision Initiation Couplers (PIC) are used as a relay charge for initiating a shaped charge precisely along the liner axis. A PIC consists of an explosive column housed in an inert casing with suitable dimensions based on the detonation velocity of the explosive and shock velocity of the inert material. This paper explains a simple test method to qualitatively assess the performance of a PIC when it is eccentrically initiated. This method is based on the deformed shape of a plain cylindrical hole in an Aluminium block subjected to explosive loading. Symmetric collapse of the hole is observed when a PIC that is in contact with the metal block is detonated at a point away from the axis of the PIC. This test method can be used as a simple gonogo test for qualifying various designs of PICs.