Ballistic Missile Defense System Innovative Power Storage Devices

The overall objective of the pellet production automation program is to develop alternative methodologies for: 1) precise powder measurement, 2) powder preparation for transfer into the die cavity, 3) uniform powder dispersion. Pellet production is currently a rate limiting step in the production of thermal batteries. The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the powders are different enough to require unique processing. The pellet production rate is highly dependant on the type of powder material being pressed as well as the type of press being used. The phase I objective is to develop a methodology for doubling ENSER’s thermal battery pellet production rate by improving the powder loading, delivery and compaction processes on the automatic presses.