On the possibility of reducing the penetration capability of shaped-charge jets in a magnetic field

The possibility of reducing the penetration capability of shaped charges by producing a magnetic field ahead of the target with flux lines parallel to the charge axis is considered. The problem is studied on the basis of results of experiments in which a magnetic field was produced in a shaped-charge liner before firing, resulting in a sharp reduction or elimination of penetration. The variation of the magnetic induction in the shaped-charge liner moving in the magnetic field is calculated using the model of two conducting coaxial cylindrical shells corresponding to the charge case and liner and assuming constant induction-current density over the shell thickness. A longitudinal magnetic field is specified on the surface of the outer shell as a function of the spatial distribution of the field ahead of the target and the charge velocity. The magnetic-field intensity that can provide a considerable reduction in the penetration capability of shaped charges of various diameters is estimated.