Optimizing Buffer Design to Reduce Jet Velocity in a Shaped Charge Jet Analogue*

In this work, we detail a novel application of computational optimization and advanced manufacturing to

rapidly develop and experimentally validate modifications to a shaped charge jet analogue. The shaped

charge jet analogue comprises a conical copper liner, high explosive (HE), and silicone buffer. We apply

a genetic algorithm to determine an optimal buffer design that can be placed between the liner and the HE

that results in the largest possible change in jet velocity. The use of the genetic algorithm allows for

discoveries of unintuitive, complex, yet optimal buffer designs. Experiments using the optimal design

verified the effectiveness of the buffer and validated the modeling.