Injecting Reactive Materials into Targets in Conjunction with Shaped Charge Warheads

Shaped charge warheads using reactive-metal liners have potential for increased lethality. Reactive-metal liners are limited by low ductility and poor penetration. In a Phase I program, Tech Energetics, Inc. (TEI) developed concepts for conical shapedcharge liners and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) that should inject reactive metal constituents. By metallurgically bonding metals that are good penetrators with reactive metals, liners could be manufactured to form jets which are composites of therespective metals or sequential elements. Candidate reactive metals were selected by considering reaction feasibility, spontaneity, and potential for confined volume pressurization. Production methods were identified. A test plan was developed forquantifying the concepts' performance and function. TEI successfully demonstrated prototype production of cylindrically imploded metal composites that could be used for either conical shaped charge liners or EFPs. In a Phase II program TEI proposes tofabricate shaped charge liners, load evaluation charges, and test the function of the concepts. Comparisons will be made to a baseline design. Engineering guidelines will be identified and applied to the development of an optimized design. TEI isaugmenting its capabilities with D.R. Kennedy and Associates, Inc. for design and evaluation, and Denver Research Institute for specialized testing. The DoD will obtain shaped charge liners that inject reactive materials. The Phase II will demonstrate thefunction of the liners, provide estimates of potential performance advantages, identify requirements for manufacturing, and deliver an optimized design. Warhead engineering, in conjunction with the manufacturing and engineering of the composite metallaminates, will provide the DoD with additional weapon capabilities. The engineering methods developed under this SBIR will add design dimensions to shaped charge and EFP liners.