This is the second part of what will become a series on the Oreshnik weapon. If you know of any other analysis out there that is superior to this one, please link it in the comments.
Suggesting exotic (or at least unconventional when considered for warhead filler) materials/exothermic reactions of high density impactor materials with target materials & environment was one of the first thoughts I had after my first 1/2MxV^2 calculations done on a napkin with a dull crayon (I set things on fire/blow stuff up for my day job).
But is our best use of impactor mass as an OXIDIZER or a FUEL? Sand, limestone, plaster of Paris or cement can provide the oxidizers for some quite exothermic reactions, perhaps we should propose an impactor composed of a DENSE fuel, making use of the substantial (certainly available in excess) quantities of relatively LOW DENSITY oxidizer(s) provided by concrete/masonry/subsoils in target area?
The first time I saw formulae for pyrotechnics with plaster of Paris as the sole oxidizer with metal fuels, I had to try them- They functioned as advertised. Play sand + aluminum powder for a Goldschmidt type reaction, ditto.
On top of THAT, I had read a paper on use of several highly refractory ceramics as pyrotechnic fuels, see link:
wow great work very interesting stuff
Well begun is half done?
Couple quick thoughts before I start trying to analyze the graphics and crunch numbers:
Perhaps add an image of a modern, secant ogive long range very low drag projectile (LR, VLD) to that graphic of .30 projectiles?
https://bergerbullets.com/product/30-caliber-210-grain-very-low-drag-vld-hunting/
Suggesting exotic (or at least unconventional when considered for warhead filler) materials/exothermic reactions of high density impactor materials with target materials & environment was one of the first thoughts I had after my first 1/2MxV^2 calculations done on a napkin with a dull crayon (I set things on fire/blow stuff up for my day job).
But is our best use of impactor mass as an OXIDIZER or a FUEL? Sand, limestone, plaster of Paris or cement can provide the oxidizers for some quite exothermic reactions, perhaps we should propose an impactor composed of a DENSE fuel, making use of the substantial (certainly available in excess) quantities of relatively LOW DENSITY oxidizer(s) provided by concrete/masonry/subsoils in target area?
The first time I saw formulae for pyrotechnics with plaster of Paris as the sole oxidizer with metal fuels, I had to try them- They functioned as advertised. Play sand + aluminum powder for a Goldschmidt type reaction, ditto.
On top of THAT, I had read a paper on use of several highly refractory ceramics as pyrotechnic fuels, see link:
http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/files.php?pid=500092&aid=63212
Anyhow! On with the reverse engineering, it gives me some pleasant distraction from watching WWIII unfolding (plus an illusory sense of control).
Fascinating design space!
Could someone build a reusable design with the same capabilities, just with a winged flyback or VTVL first stage?