Prediction of Hyperbaric Oxygen Seizures Using Neural Networks

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity is critical to understand the safety of energetic materials. ESD ignition of CHNO materials is discernable by a flash, smoke, or audible report. For a small class of reactive materials, e.g., metals andmetalloids or metals and binders, the current ESD test methodology is insufficient.TPL proposes to develop an integrated post-dischrge/ESD ignition threshold apparatus. The appartus will determine the extent of the reaction via an analytical technique. These data will be subjected to statistical procedures which will provide insightinto the ESD sensitivity and provide applicable data for safety assessment.Candidate materials will be selected and theoretical predictions of the ESD-reacted products will be made. The effects of sample environment will be nulled or baselined as necessary. At least five different analytical techniques will be evaluated fordetermining the extent of reaction from ESD. An analysis technique will be selected and refined for this application. A preliminary design will be developed.TPL has the resources and the experience to conduct a successful program. The company has outstanding in-house laboratory facilities with machine shop capabilities for prototype or test fixture fabrication. Personnel are familiar with reactive materials,storage, and shipping.The successful completion of this program will provide the Navy with a quantitative method of determining the ESD sensitivity of reactive materials. Better estimates of safety can be made and risk mitigation of hazards will be moreaccurately determined.