Cockpit canopy shattering using exploding wire techniques

• Published in: Journal of physics. D, Applied physics Vol. 40; no. 7; pp. 2217 - 2222
• Main Authors: Novac, B M, Smith, I R, Downs, P R, Marston, P, Fahey, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 07.04.2007; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Application fields; Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Cutting; Voltage current curve; Exploding wire; Plastics; Operation platform; Aircraft; Pulse current; Shock wave; Optimization; Joule effect
• ISSN: 0022-3727; 1361-6463
• DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/40/7/054

This paper presents the principal experimental results provided by a preliminary investigation into the possibility of using exploding wire (EW) techniques to shatter the plastic cockpit canopy of a modern jet aircraft. The data provided forms the basis for a qualitative understanding of the physics of interaction between the plasma produced by an EW and the surrounding elasto-plastic material in which the wire is embedded. To optimize the shock-wave 'clean cutting' effect, the significance of the material, the dimensions of the exploding wire and the amplitude of the current and voltage pulses are all considered. This leads to important conclusions concerning both the characteristics of the EW and the optimum arrangement of the electrical circuit, with the single most important optimization factor being the peak electrical power input to the EW, rather than the dissipated Joule energy.