Focused Miniature Ordnance Technologies

The Phase II program has two broad technical objectives. The first objective involves developing a new class of very high-energy density reactive multiphase blast explosives (RMBX). The second objective involves testing these new RMBX compositions with innovative warhead concepts designed to produce different damage mechanisms, such as: a well-defined lethality radius with no or minimal fragments; or blast plus high fidelity control over the fragment footprint. The Phase I results demonstrated that: (1) the RMBX composition has the potential of providing both enhanced blast and thermal impulse kill mechanisms with a corresponding controlled lethality radius; and (2) the RMBX can be used for a forward focused fragment warhead concept. Our RMBX is also a potential fill for a reactive case or liner between the case and conventional HE because of the efficient coupling between the RMBX and reacting particles within the case. Finally, our RMBX is an potential alternative fill for the FLM due to its coupling efficiency between the energetic and embedded inert particles, improved overall blast performance based upon improved coupling at the target of the blast wave and embedded particles and sustained thermal impulse. These attributes should provide precise prosecution of targets in urban terrains. BENEFIT: Examples of dual-use commercial applications for the proposed research include: (1) low collateral damage explosive defeat of IEDs and VBIEDs for domestic bomb squads; (2) novel energetic materials and initiation mechanisms for down-hole perforation operations in the oil production industry; and (3) more efficient and controlled collateral effects for explosive demolition operations.