Dynamic Multi-Scale Characterization Methods for Reactive Material Structures (RMS) for Advanced Warhead Effects

Enig Associates, Inc. (ENIG) proposes to accurately assess the design space of munitions containing reactive material structures (RMS) components by comparing their penetration, detonation and combustion effects to conventional weapon systems. Recent advances in energetic materials have produced RMS that enable smaller and more capable warheads. However, warhead developers are reluctant to incorporate these advanced materials into their designs, as they do not know how they will affect the trade space. Current models of target-effects do not adequately take into account the full extent of damage delivered using RMS components. Though the use of multi-scale, multi-disciplinary modeling tools ENIG will (i) identify the dominant chemical reaction modes, (ii) extend the existing reaction rate model towards the deflagration of a metal/metal mixture, (iii) demonstrate our hydrodynamic approach to examine multi-phase flow, and (iv) design an experimental approach to validate our developed models. The modeling tools from this program may further be applied to a wide variety of materials, including glass fiber composites, novel structural composites, and complex ceramic systems. The ability to reliably predict damage in extreme environments can dramatically reduce the design cycle allowing for more rapid fielding of high performance materials.