Insensitive, Energetic, Multifunctional, Consumable Structural Composites for FCS Munitions

Physical Sciences Inc. and ATK Launch Systems propose to develop a novel class of materials for constructing gun-launched munitions that provide high structural strength, stiffness and fracture resistance, combust rapidly producing only gaseous products, and provide high energy output per unit mass to augment energy to the projectile and its propulsion system. These functions will be incorporated simultaneously in unique structural energetic composites that constitute an enabling technology for Future Combat System munitions, specifically, for combustible cases for tank ammunition, artillery charges, mortars, laminates for sabots and projectile bases, igniter tubes, etc. We will also develop under this SBIR program techniques for processing the composite formulations and for fabricating components using environmentally benign approaches. In Phase I, we will model the thermodynamic and mechanical performance of the composites and conduct preliminary compatibility testing for safe processing (in Phase II). In Phase I Option, we will perform preliminary thermal decomposition measurements of our formulations and process samples of the composites (using inert simulants) and measure their basic mechanical properties. Detailed safety testing of formulations, full characterization of energy release performance, ballistic testing, mechanical properties measurements, processing methods developments, prototype component fabrication, and validation testing will be performed in Phase II.