The Effect of Artillery Fire on an Anti-tank Minefield

The paper deals with the effects of artillery ammunition explosions on anti-tank mines. On this basis, the possibility of establishing breaching lanes in anti-tank minefields is addressed by symphatetic detonation from the active charge (donor) towards the passive charge (acceptor). The prerequisite is the initation of the mine explosive charge (trinitrotoluene) due to the spread of the shock wave or the initation of the primary explosive also through the fuze well cap, mechanical fuze and detonator. The aim of the paper is to validate the results of theoretical research by experimental verification on a blasting pit with explosive ammunition. The main contribution of the paper lies in the results of the experiment, namely the determination of the dependence of the minefield density with respect to artillery fire with 152 mm High-Explosive Fragmentation shell (EOF). On the basis of this experiment, the artillery shell explosion was assessed as less significant even for the closest distance of 4 m to the anti-tank mine and the establishment of a breaching lane in the minefield is not secured. To establish a breaching lane, or to completely clear the field, artillery fire would represent up to several hundred times higher increase in explosive charge weight compared to engineer munitions. Paper limitations can be set in the selected artillery ammunition. For the purposes of this thesis, a High-Explosive artillery munition would be more suitable, as it uses less blast energy to tear the projectile body of the shell. The paper is suitable for anyone concerned with mobility and counter-mobility issues within the military, as well as engineer and artillery support. The issues addressed reflect military activity from the war in Ukraine.