Miniaturized Electrical Initiation Systems for Miniature Thermal Batteries

The primary objective of this project is to study the feasibility of a class of novel low-cost programmable miniature electrically initiated inertial igniter concepts that operate without any external power for miniature thermal batteries that are suitable for gun-fired munitions, mortars and small missiles. A systematic method is developed for determining the performance of each miniature electrically initiated inertial igniter concept to all no-fire acceleration profiles, including those due to accidental drops, transportation and handling, as well as to various all-fire acceleration profiles. Issues related to the integration of the proposed novel miniature electrically initiated inertial igniters into miniature thermal battery housings of various geometries as well as high G hardening are addressed. The project involves extensive dynamics and finite element modeling of the proposed concepts, as well as their various components to determine their dynamic response to various environmental inputs and to satisfy the indicated safety and activation requirements. The proposed miniature electrically initiated inertial igniters will be manufactured using well established mass fabrication techniques and equipment, and should readily satisfy the need for the development of low-cost, safe, small and low-power miniature thermal batteries for munitions applications.