Formation of a Flat Detonation Wave

In general, detonation of an explosive is initiated by a primer as a point-source. The detonation wave formed at the point-source propagates into the explosive in a spherical manner as shown in Fig. 9.1. 

An explosive lens is used to generate a flat detonation wave. The explosive lens consists of two cone-shaped segments of explosives, an inner cone and an outer cone, which are fitted together as shown in Fig. 9.2. When detonation is initiated by an electric detonator, a booster charge positioned at the top-center of the inner-cone explosive detonates. Then, the inner cone detonates and the detonation wave propa- 

If the velocity of the flat detonation wave formed at the bottom of the outer-cone explosive is not sufficient for some objectives, a cylindrical-shaped high-explosive is attached to the bottom of the outer-cone explosive, as shown in Fig. 9.3. The detonation velocity of the attached high-explosive is higher than that of the outer-cone explosive. The flat detonation wave of the outer-cone explosive then initiates the detonation of the high-explosive and forms a reinforced flat detonation wave therein. 

Inner-cone explosive Outer-cone explosive 

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Fig. 9.2 Formation of a flat detonation wave by an explosive lens.

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