Reactive Materials as Lethality Enhancers

Physical Sciences Inc. and ATK Thiokol, Inc. propose to develop new classes of energetic structural composites and fabrication methods for components of Theater Missile Defense missiles, interceptors, and kill vehicles. Two major classes of reactive material will be developed: (1) high strength metal matrix composites with overpressure capability, (2) polymer matrix composites with enhanced strength, energy release, and reactive overpressure. These materials will combine the following properties: (i) high specific reactive energy content in the range of 4.5-11 kJ/g; (ii) stability under normal service conditions; (iii) ignition by shock pressure waves at the expected impact velocities; (iv) rapid combustion for prompt energy release; (v) overpressure for lethality enhancement; (vi) mechanical properties adequate for incorporation in KV designs as replacement components, and as lethality-enhancing add-ons. Novel metallurgical and polymer fabrication techniques will be applied in these material developments. In Phase I, we shall fabricate one structural composite selected from each of the two above-mentioned material classes, and characterize their energetic and mechanical properties.