The Boeing Company
Apparatuses and methods for a superconducting explosive

Abstract:

In an example, an apparatus includes a cryogenic container configured to store a cryogenic fluid, a superconducting coil disposed within the cryogenic container, and an outer casing surrounding at least a lateral surface area of the cryogenic container. The apparatus is configured such that, while the superconducting coil is carrying a current, is in a superconducting state, and is being cooled by the cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic container, an outward magnetic pressure is imposed on the cryogenic container and the outer casing. The cryogenic container and the outer casing are configured to withstand the outward magnetic pressure for at least a predetermined period of time, including while the superconducting coil is being charged to the superconducting state. An occurrence of a trigger event while the outward magnetic pressure is being imposed causes the cryogenic container and the outer casing to expand and burst into radially-dispersed fragments.