Development of Structural Explosives for Low Collateral Damage (LCD) Warheads

Surface Treatment Technologies, proposes the development of innovative structural explosive material systems based upon the formation of structural nano-grained reactive alloys formed via electron-beam deposition. Electron-beam deposition has beendeveloped as a method of rapidly forming nano-grained structures with a high degree of functional gradations throughout a structure. These include the ability to form a structural component comprised on repeating layers of reactive metals. Using theprecise control of e-beam formation, ST2 will develop a family of reactive metal systems with varying degrees of thermal reactivity, density, structural properties, and ignition requirements. This new family of structural reactive materials will expandthe customer capabilities to address the wide range of threat targets currently available. Phase I will verify that e-beam structures will function in this manner, while Phase II will generate specific shapes/configuration for customer demonstration andend-use applications.Specific Phase I activities include: 1) determining the optimum deposition conditions for multi-layered reactive alloy, 2) developing data for thermal reactive capabilities of multi-layered reactive alloy, 3) evaluating shock initiation capabilities of themulti-layered reactive alloy, 4) developing basic structural/mechanical property data for multi-layered reactive alloy, and 5) identify concepts for producing prototype fuze wells and warhead cases.