Tailored Reactivity Propellants for Dual Mode Energetics

Future weapons must generate greater lethality from volume-limited platforms while providing increased mission flexibility. These challenges will be met by non-traditional missile systems requiring development of new materials and designs including energetic materials adaptable for use in both propulsion and lethality roles. Such dual-mode energetic materials would achieve volume efficiency while also providing kinematic adaptability and contributions to lethality. To accomplish this goal, control of combustion behavior, and the balancing of reactivity versus sensitivity will be essential. Helicon proposes a unique in situ nanocomposite processing technology to produce a family of propellants with the functional characteristics required for dual-mode performance, thus providing a toolbox of approaches adaptable to varying system requirements. Functionalities achievable include high burning rates to enable highly loaded grain designs; high pressure extinguishment capability for throttling concepts; and nanoscale reactive materials to facilitate initiation and reactivity. Helicons in situ nano-aluminum synthesis technology is the key innovation, representing a fundamentally different approach to producing nanoparticle-containing materials from conventional physical mixing. Helicon grows nanoparticles in a bottom-up fashion within host materials including liquid fuels, polymer binders, and plasticizers. This process creates homogeneous nanoparticle dispersions within host materials, with nanoparticles fully encapsulated by the surrounding polymer, inhibiting oxide growth.