Engineering investigation of novel lightweight enhanced lateral effect shaped charge

The trade–off between penetration depth and perforation diameter has long hindered the development of shaped charges (SCs). To address this limitation, this study first integrates the lateral enhancement mechanism of penetrator with enhanced lateral effect (PELE) into SCs, and introduces a segmented lightweight nylon liner to develop a lightweight enhanced lateral effect (LELE) SC. Following detonation, this design forms a composite projectile comprising an axial high–velocity jet and a circumferential large–diameter penetration band, synergistically enhancing penetration and perforation damage capabilities. Theoretical analysis reveals that the Poisson effect provides a continuous radial material supply for perforation expansion, while radial rarefaction waves dominate the rapid radial expansion of the projectile. Their positive coupling forms a positive feedback cycle that intensifies lateral damage. A theoretical model for the segmented formation velocity of the LELE projectile is established using quasi–steady incompressible ideal fluid theory, accurately describing the liner's segmented collapse behaviour. Numerical simulations and blasting experiments show that at a standoff distance of 1.0 charge diameter (CD), the LELE SC creates a perforation > 0.8 CD in diameter in C45 steel plates, corresponding to a > 30 % larger perforation diameter than that for an equal–sized copper explosively formed penetrator (EFP) and 60 % greater penetration depth than that of an equivalent nylon EFP. The inner liner dominates penetration depth, whereas the outer liner governs perforation diameter, with the curvature radius of the outer liner displaying the highest sensitivity to perforation diameter. This work offers an effective technical pathway for improving SC damage capability in engineering applications.