Focused Miniature Ordnance Technologies

In order to develop miniaturized weapon systems capable of defeating fleeing targets in urban environments safely, a new class of miniaturized initiator, ULEEFI (Ultra Low Energy Exploding Foil Initiator) is needed which reduces needed firing energy and integrates additional components like firing switches into the initiator microchip. During the phase I effort, RSI demonstrated a decrease in firing energy of 40% using the new ULEEFI initiator and a new bridge design. The ULEEFI is capable of delivering timing accuracies, which allow multi-function output capabilities in the warhead design. Reynolds Systems ULEEFI initiators employ the use of RSI-007 explosive, a CL-20 based explosive that was developed under a SBIR with the Navy. The RSI-007 has unique energy characteristics including short run up to full detonation and extreme energy density, making the explosive an excellent choice for compact weapon systems. RSI -007 can also double as both an input material and a warhead output material. BENEFIT: This Phase 2 effort will build on the positive results achieved in the phase I work by creating a family of Hugh James Plots for the ULEEFI which can be utilized to design future initiators with the best combination of reliability and energy efficiency. The area of interest will be expanded to include effects associated not only with bridge size and flyer thickness, but also with bridge materials. Work will be conducted to understand firing characteristics, bridge burst currents and actual flyer velocities of designs tested. Additional work will also be undertaken to understand the interaction effects that firing systems have on the initiators firing performance under differing conditions including varying inductance and switching methods. Emphasis will be placed on methodologies used to design, conduct and record the experiments which will provide a sound scientific basis from which future designs can be confidently generated over a broad base.