Dual high explosive shape detonation

Claim 1

A dual high explosive for use in the explosive welding of abutting cylindrical members which comprises: a welding explosive mass circumferentially located on a metallic substantially cylindrical sleeve surrounding the abutting members; said welding explosive mass comprising a circumferential body of high explosive and having a greater thickness at its center than at its ends transversely disposed of said center such that upon initiation the maximum explosive impact is exerted inwardly toward said sleeve; initiating explosive means arranged on said body at least at its center and extending circumferentially therearound in explosive contact with said body; at least two equidistantly spaced apart detonators in operable contact with said initiating explosive means and adapted to be connected to a source of energy, said detonators being arranged for causing a symmetrical blast load to be applied to said members upon energization thereof; and said initiating explosive means having a detonation velocity substantially greater than that of said welding explosive mass such that upon detonation of said initiating explosive and said welding explosive by the simultaneous energization of said detonators there emanates from each of said detonators at said spaced apart locations at least a pair of opposed wedge-shaped wave fronts which travel in opposite directions about said sleeve and impact at about halfway between said detonators with a corresponding one of the wave fronts emanating from the other of said detonators and wherein the apex of each of said wave fronts is caused by said initiating explosive and the remaining portion of each of said wave fronts which flanks the apex thereof is caused by said welding explosive upon detonation thereof, for causing said collar to weld to said abutting members.