InnoSys with the assistance of the University of Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UU) proposes to develop a comprehensive and methodical approach to testing and characterizing the effects of X-ray, neutron, EMP, etc. on both the overall LEEFI/EFI and the various components (e.g. metals and dielectrics) that comprise the LEEFI/EFI. The ability of a low energy exploding foil initiator (LEEFI or EFI) to function in the SSP D5 missile system is to be investigated and demonstrated. Specifically, since the missile is subject to various strategic radiation environment environments; any electrical system must be robust enough to reliably operate during exposure to the elevated radiation environment. Many EFI designs exist in industry and their viability must be understood prior to use in systems which experience radiation environments. To provide potential users with a wider selection for their application and to promote new designs, characterization of the performance of bridge foils of varying materials and sizes will be conducted when subjected to various radiation environments, comprised of neutrons, gammas, X-rays, electrons, and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). The baseline application is for EFIs, which conform to MIL-STD-1316 and/or MIL-STD-1901, design and safety requirements for use in systems. Of particular interest is the effects of radiation on the narrowed bridge area (metal, e.g., aluminum, copper, gold, silver) and flyer (dielectric, e.g., polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) aspects of the bridge foil such that the EFI would not fire or would prematurely fire. The Phase I deliverables would include an analysis-based handbook and recommended processes to evaluate typical common EFI bridge foil and flyer materials and how they react in various radiation environments for determining EFI viability in a system and/or narrow down design parameters for a custom EFI in a strategic system. Phase I Option would expand upon Phase I Base by conducting initial design specifications based on the Phase I Analysis-Based handbook and Phase I Final Report. The innovative approach we employ in our project is the coupling of experimental and simulations to provide predictive capabilities and to validate test results. Our proposed optimal integration of simulations and testing in the way of simulation leading testing and testing supporting simulation not only allows for validation, verification, and a predictive tool, but also enables true understanding of radiation interaction physics and, as a result, new design and material development. We will use a variety of radiation test facilities available at UU and LMTF, along with electrical testing facilities at InnoSys using different EFI materials/designs. It is worth noting that the combined capabilities of this team are also very unique and form an ideal platform for this proposed study to enhance
Benefit: In addition defense applications, potential commercial/industrial uses, applications and benefits include Coal Mines, Metal Mines, Non-metal Mines, Railway or Road, and Hydraulic and Hydropower as well as the general Industrial and Global Detonator market as well as related applications and markets. As a result, to provide potential users with a wider selection for their application and to promote new designs, this SBIR study will provide necessary performance of bridge foils and ignitors of varying materials and sizes when subjected to various conditions. There are also applications in diverse markets including fuses, failsafe switches that open circuit, commercial/industrial power systems, electrical safety switches and systems, high power/high current precise fuses. Associated with this, this technology has the potential to be used commercially in the aerospace and energetic industries that require low energy exploding foil initiators such as safer non-military application of deep well applications. In addition, our proposed optimal integration of simulations and testing in the way of simulation leading testing and testing supporting simulation allows for a validation, verification and predictive tool, and it also enables true understanding of different radiation interaction physics and, as a result, new design and material development. Therefore, it is also possible that this SBIR may lead to many new applications/systems/uses.
Keywords: LEEFI, LEEFI, Strategic Missiles, ordnance, Initiation, Low energy exploding foil initiator, Strategic Radiation, Battlespace,, radiation characterization study, Materials Development
