Abstract

A rupture disc assembly is provided having the seemingly inconsistent properties of resisting relatively high burst pressures in one direction, while rupturing upon experiencing relatively low pressures in the opposed direction. The assembly includes a metallic, frangible disc having a low pressure face and an opposed, scored high pressure face, along with an apertured backing member positioned adjacent the low pressure face; the backing member includes webs aligned with the disc scoring which engage the low pressure face and prevent disc rupture under the influence of high burst pressures directed against the remote high pressure face, while permitting disc rupture when the relatively low burst pressures are developed adjacent the low pressure face. The burst regions of the disc preferably include concavo-convex portions, with the convex faces thereof forming a part of the low pressure face and extending into corresponding openings through the adjacent backing member. The assembly finds particular utility in projectiles fired from hand held weapons, in order to sequence and divide the recoil forces developed when the weapon is fired to thus protect the user from injurious recoil forces.