Effect of external magnetic field on shaped-charge operaion

The present paper considers the possibility of using external magnetic fields for the antiterrorist protection of various objects against shaped-charge action by means of their magnetic screening - the creation of a magnetic field in the space ahead of the object being protected from attack. The results of experimental and numerical investigations of the effect of the magnetic field generated in a shaped-charge liner on the structure of the shaped charge jet formed and jet penetration into a target are presented. Emphasis is placed on large-scale effects. It is shown that a considerable decrease in the depth of penetration of shaped-charge jets into a target can be achieved at moderate magnetic fields of a few tenths of a tesla. The physical mechanisms involved in the disruption of shaped-charge jets are discussed. The results of the experiments and numerical calculations confirm that the "magnetic protection" of objects from shaped-charge warheads is in principle possible.