The Development of Gradient/Reinforced Materials for Reducing Weight in Weapon Systems

It is necessary to reduce the weight of weapon systems carried by the individual solder to achieve maximum effectiveness. This includes new weapon systems under development such as the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) which initially isoverweight. The development and utilization of advanced engineered materials for components, such as the housing and barrels of the OICW, have the potential to not only reduce weight, but also enhance performance. Functionally graded composites are aconcept in materials composition that can exhibit exemplary properties that can be translated to reducing weight for the OICW. MER has demonstrated processing to produce functionally graded plastic composites as well as refractory materials graded intoboth metals and metal composites which will be produced, characterized, cost analysis performed for producing, and trade off analysis performed with the OICW prime contractor. These results will be translated into refining and optimizing processing,scale-up and producing components for OICW evaluation in Phase II as well as defining other applications for the developed graded/reinforced materials. Grade/reinforced composites have extensive applications in weapon systems for all military services aswell as generally in aerospace, energy conversion including all engine types, general industry and sport equipment.