Implosive reactive armour to enhance explosive welding on hard surfaces in modern warfare

Abstract. The study focuses on the role Implosive Reactive Armour (IRA) in enhancing explosive welding techniques for hard surfaces in modern warfare. IRA is a tertiary layer of protection that fills the gap between traditional explosive reactive armour (ERA) and Vaporizing Reactive Armour (VRA). IRA is designed to protect against shaped-charge warheads and improve vehicle survivability in combat. The IRA's joggle interlocking S profile of HRC grade steel plates features plasticized nitrocellulose blend with TNT explosive cladding and graphene-coated sisal fiber over rubberized NIJ 3+ composite armour backing of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). The IRA significantly enhances protection, exhibiting varying levels of effectiveness depending on the type of threat, design of the reactive elements, and placement on the vehicle. The explosive welding process for joining HRC-grade steel plates requires careful control of the explosive energy, as these steels are hard and prone to cracking under excessive force. The binder material's properties, such as its ability to cushion and regulate detonation, play a significant role in the quality of the final weld. The findings suggest that IRA remains a valuable defence tool but must be adapted or combined with other technologies in quad armour to ensure maximum effectiveness against future threats. Continuous innovation is required to maintain IRA's relevance in modern warfare to mitigate beyond Stanag level 6 fragmentation round threats varying from ground to space debris by infusing explosive welding techniques in it. IRA side walls profile in joggle or corrugated roofing sheet container like profile and fuel tanks providing upper hand in stealth operations with no visible design changes in outer body of the heavy vehicles and aircraft hangers. The goal of this research is to assess the effectiveness, limitations and future potential of IRA in modern combat scenarios with a focus on its ability to counter act on evolving threats being an add on protection between a quad armour layer of metal matrix composite involving explosive welding