Novel Hybrid Structural Reactive Composites

ABSTRACT: MATSYS proposes to develop novel hybrid compositions and processing techniques for structural reactive composites for the enhancement of Air Force munitions. This effort will combine our unique expertise in instrumented-Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) with new approaches in reactive materials design to develop a new generation of cost-efficient, high strength and highly reactive materials. The proposed material system will use a blend of elemental or compound powders capable of an energetic (exothermic) chemical reaction. The existence of different powders will allow for tailoring of the mechanical and reactive properties of the material through engineered variations of the volume fraction of each powder to control the type of reaction and the form of energy release as well as the mechanical properties. During this program, we will demonstrate the versatility of the approach by fabricating high strength and highly reactive materials that will enhance the munitions lethality by releasing a large amount of exothermal heat and overpressure. These materials can be used to replace structurally inert materials with structural reactive materials to enhance weapon effectiveness and reduce payload. Upon successful demonstration, this powder-based process can be easily applied to different powders, and scaled for cost-effective, high-volume production of fully dense structural reactive composites. BENEFIT: The proposed program will have dual use commercialization with military as well as commercial applications. The material can be transitioned into several military hardware programs for weapon development in urban terrain (MOUT) and other low collateral damage scenarios. Commercial applications include potential use in petroleum exploration and oil well stimulation, and law enforcement applications.