Reactive Case Materials for Enhanced Blast

ABSTRACT: Fully Dense Reactive Nanocomposite Materials (FD-RNM) have unique chemical and physical properties and if properly exploited can lead to greater blast effects, chem/bio agent defeat and less collateral damage than conventional steel warhead cases. Whether the FD-RNM are thermite type or metal-metalloid type these benefits are realized through the materials highly exothermic reactions. Reduced collateral damage is achieved through consumption of the warhead case which leads to the reduction in fragment footprint while the heat generated upon ignition is sufficient to create enhanced blast effects and possible formulation into the FD-RNM can achieve chem/bio agent defeat. The FD-RNM are formed from micron size particles making them less static and shock sensitive than materials formed from nanoparticles. They have shown the ability to be pressed into shapes, are sufficiently dense and maintain enough strength to penetrate targets like their steel case counterparts. There is a wide array of materials that can be utilized to form FD-RNM which leads to the ability to customize in respect to density, strength and reactivity. Because of the materials available a large effort will be given to developing mechanistic models of initiation which can be used to evaluate the desired performance of components and systems. BENEFIT: Reactive case materials will make it possible to modify the desired effects of a warhead when operating in military operations in urban terrain (MOUT). When used as a warhead casing the reactive materials can be completely consumed reducing the likelihood of collateral damage from the casing material. The high heats of reaction contribute to an enhanced blast effect making a reactive material warhead more destructive in enclosed conditions such as bunkers or caves. Civilian ordnance devices can also benefit where reduced shrapnel is desired. Reactive materials can also be formulated to contain biocide material that can aid in chemical and biological agent defeat in both military and civilian uses. The military would use the agent defeat capabilities in the event there is stored chemical and biological agents in the vicinity of the planned warhead attack. This would help safeguard the warfighter who may be exposed to the chemical and biological agents. Civilian use would also benefit by incorporation of biocide agents into smaller ordnance for agent defeat such as a terrorist attack.