Multi-scale Dynamic Characterization Methods for Composite Structural Reactive Material Systems

ABSTRACT:ENIG, in collaboration with SRI International (Menlo Park, CA), proposes to develop a modeling methodology with predictive and inferential capabilities to address the mechanical limits of structural reactive materials (SRMs) using subcritical mechanical material responses, (i.e. pre-reacted state). ENIGs toolkit, in conjunction with material fragmentation tests, will provide an end-to-end modeling capability, grounded in the microstructural response of the constituent materials, to address impulsive loading of reactive structural material systems. This effort will develop models and design tests that will provide both fundamental and fragmentation data for SRMs. Models and tests developed for this effort will allow the Air Force to use results obtained from nondestructive testing techniques to predict fragmentation size and shape distribution from impulsively loaded SRMs. Physics-based computational models capable of computing the size, shape, and velocity distributions of SRM fragments will treat fragmentation as a process of the interaction initiation, growth, and coalescence of cracks using a system of multi-scale hydrocode calculations. ENIG will draw upon our extensive experience in characterizing ballistic damage in ceramics, polymers, composites, metals, and combinations of these material classes. This effort will design procedures and experiments that can be conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate, Eglin AFB.BENEFIT:The goal of this project is to develop experimental methods and measurements for safely and accurately extracting fundamental materials, properties from as manufactured Structural Reactive Material components using nondestructive evaluation techniques. The modeling tools and methodologies developed from this program may be applied to a wide variety of materials including, glass fiber composite systems, novel structural composites, multi-phased metallic structures, and complex ceramic systems. The potential impact on civilian and military applications is unlimited. Impacted industries would potentially include: advanced munitions, aviation, and automotive. The technologies developed here could be integrated with existing software to address design issues.