Self-fragmenting Structural Reactive Materials (SF-SRM) for High Combustion Efficiency

MATSYS proposes to develop, test and evaluate a scalable metal-based reactive structural material that will self-fragment to micron or sub-micron scale fuel particles when subjected to explosive shock loading, resulting in significantly enhanced metal combustion efficiency. Use of reactive material casings offers the potential for several-fold increases in blast and overpressure by generating rapid oxidation of reactive metals in the warhead case that are initiated by the detonation of the explosive warhead. Reactive metals are extremely energy dense. Our proposed approach is to develop and demonstrate reactive casings with hard inclusions within a reactive material matrix. We expect such inclusions to generate shock interactions that lead to localized focusing of shock waves and the subsequent high pressures and shear loads that can lead to enhanced fragmentation. During this program, we will demonstrate the versatility of the approach by fabricating highly reactive materials that will significantly enhance the combustion energy. MATSYS extensive experience in design of reactive powder formulations and powder consolidation of monolithic and composite materials combined with the University of Illinoiss experience in design and testing of reactive materials will enable the development of a new class of self-fragmenting structural reactive materials.