Analysis of the requirements on modern energetics and their impact on materials design

Abstract

We characterized the "design" of explosive materials as represented by the complete suite of engineering specifications on ingredients and processes used in the manufacture of specific components used in various applications. The detonation of explosive materials and the associated high power density of this process have historically been accepted as essential elements of the design. Evolving requirements such as the desire for insensitive munitions and the broadened demands of controlling the power output are producing a new class on energetic materials whose thermo-chemical response to specific intentional trigger mechanisms result in reactive behavior far removed the classical detonation modeling represented by the physics and chemistry of Chapman-Jouguet [CJ] or Zel'dovich, VonNeuman, Doering [ZND] detonation models. Experimental studies of representative designs and analysis of the role of processes controlled by the mesostructure suggest functional paths to establishing the desired output. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.