Novel Methods of IED Suppression and Neutralization to Include Next Generation WMD Dispersal Devices

The use of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has become a favorite weapon of choice against the U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian population during the current conflict in Iraq. The potential use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) as IEDs to increase the area of effect and intensity of the attacks is growing as is the possibility of spreading IED use around the globe. The wide spread availability of explosives, ordinance and the possibility of chemical and biological agent materials require effective techniques of detonation suppression and device neutralization. Current neutralization techniques of identified devices lead to undesired collateral damage as well as possible casualties, and in the case of WMD the unwanted dispersal of the agent be it biological, chemical or radiological into the environment. The proposed effort includes a thorough study of the fabrication and deployment techniques of IEDs which will identify designs and weakness of the IED threats. The study will establish criteria for evaluation of IED and WMD neutralization techniques. It is proposed to develop and test reactive intermetallic shaped charge liners which offer the penetration and energy required to neutralize IED through a deflagration of the explosive rather than detonation and further offering the defeat of any WMD agent. Key experiments are proposed to provide proof-of-concept.