Reactive Nanocomposite Materials for Enhanced Lethality Kinetic Warheads

This effort is aimed at increasing lethality of kinetic energy warheads by developing metal-based reactive materials.Fully-dense nanocomposite powders capable of reacting in absence of an external oxidizer will be prepared by arrested reactive milling. AlMoO3, AlCuO, AlI2O5, MgS, and BTi will be prepared and combined with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to boost their energy density. Prepared powders will be consolidated into pellets using aluminum flakes as a binder. The pellets will be ignited in absence of external oxidizer by impact using a unique Pneumatic Impact Testing Apparatus available at Reactive Metals International, Inc.Combustion of the impact-initiated samples will be monitored using a high-speed pressure transducer and an optical sensor.Ignition of the prepared powders by electro-static discharge will be studied and dynamics of combustion events will be compared for the same materials initiated using different techniques. Materials to be designed, prepared, and tested in this effort have the potential of forming structurally sound mechanical parts and components, while rapidly releasing significant energy upon impact initiation.(Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8482 (17 November 15))