1. n. [Geophysics]

Explosives designed to affect a certain direction preferentially. Shaped charges are most commonly used to perforate wells, but can be an energy source for seismic acquisition.

Alternate Form: perforating charge

See: directivity

2. n. [Perforating]

An explosive device that utilizes a cavity-effect explosive reaction to generate a high-pressure, high-velocity jet that creates a perforation tunnel. The shape of the explosive material and powdered metal lining determine the shape of the jet and performance characteristics of the charge. The extremely high pressure and velocity of the jet cause materials, such as steel, cement and rock formations, to flow plastically around the jet path, thereby creating the perforation tunnel.

Synonyms: perforating charge

See: perforating gun