Experimental and Theoretical Aspects Regarding Design and Testing of Thermobaric Munitions for Recoilless Armament Systems

The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical and experimental aspects regarding the design and testing of a thermobaric unguided fin-stabilized reactive projectile destined to be fired from a recoilless smoothbore gun, namely the anti-tank grenade launcher SPG-9 (AG-9). Some theoretical aspects regarding thermobaric explosive mechanism are presented and experimental determinations are made considering the relation between the explosive core and the overall calibre of the munition. The interior and exterior ballistics of the munitions are estimated by mathematical models and the results are validated through experimental firings with the prototype munition. The destructive effect of the munition is estimated by real firings against buildings and structures