The possibility of using thermobaric ammunition to make passages in minefields

The large-scale use of remote mining and the use of modern types of mines equipped with anti-removal mechanisms is an important factor for tactical planning and successful operation. On the contact line, pre-designed passages by engineer units are an effective way to overcome minefields. The risks associated with making passages in the barriers are quite high, so the use of various methods and means for demining and making passages, especially in well-prepared defenses with a high density of minefields, the search for more effective explosives that can be used to equip the means of making passages, remains relevant and quite in demand. The aim of the study is to substantiate the feasibility of using thermobaric mixtures (explosives) for making passages in minefields. The thermodynamic parameters of the products of the explosive transformation of thermobaric and high explosive ammunition are analyzed. It is determined that the important thermodynamic parameters of the explosion are the overpressure and the specific pressure pulse. Thermobaric explosive mixtures, in comparison with conventional condensed explosives, are characterized by a longer duration of shock waves arising during detonation, overpressure, and specific overpressure impulse. The sufficiency of the overpressure and impulse arising from the detonation of a thermobaric explosive mixture consisting of octogen, metal propellant (magnesium-aluminum powder, ammonium perchlorate, and polybutadiene) for triggering the fuzes (main target sensors) of the TM-62 anti-tank mine was evaluated. The obtained values of the triggering pulse of the pressure fuzes allow us to conclude that the studied thermobaric mixture weighing 2 kg or more on the territory with a radius of up to 9 m is capable of activating the target sensors of the TM-62 anti-tank mine. The main focus of further research should be on calculations and field tests to determine the optimal height of the thermobaric munition, its mass and configuration to increase the effectiveness of the blast wave.