SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed research describes two novel concepts and an experimental study to demonstrate the feasibility of developing extremely reduced scale (1cm3 to 10 cm3) energetic ordnance packages. The damage mechanisms will be assessed against electronic hardware, specifically a hardened laptop computer and against ballistic gel, specifically Permagel contained in a soft shell. The first concept involves a high-velocity, high-temperature metal-vapor jet or torch, designed to focus its energy into a concentrated region or distribute the energy into a prescribed pattern depending upon the target characteristics. The energetic materials will be selected from groups that have low activation energies, very high volumetric energy densities and very high adiabatic flame temperatures. A suitable class of materials would be thermites, nanothermites or hybrid thermites, which would be designed to produce sustained combustion for subsequent “fire start” and produce corrosive combustion products. The second concept is similar but would address targets that are not in close contact with the microscale ordnance device. The basic idea is a small, self propelled “pyrophoric” missile with a range on the order of a few meters and a volume on the order of 10 cm3.

Benefit:
The microscale ordnance technology has direct applications to developing more efficient energetic tools and devices for down-hole operations in the oil exploration and production industry. EMPI is uniquely positioned to advance this commercialization because of its relationship with an energy services company for the oil industry.

Keywords:
Low Collateral Damage Explosives, Urban Combat Operations, Microscale Munitions,Selectable Effects Munitions, Blast Explosives, Energetic Materials, Nanoenergetics, Reactive M

The proposed program is a continuation of the research, development and testing of an extremely reduced scale (1cc to 10 cc) ordnance technology that was demonstrated in the Phase I program. The concept is a high-velocity, high-temperature metal-vapor torch (MVT), designed to focus its energy into a concentrated region or distribute energy into a prescribed pattern depending upon the target characteristics. The MVT can be mounted to a small, remote-controlled platform for close approach to the target or function as the ordnance package for a small, self propelled pyrophoric missile (PM) to attack targets at 10’s of meters standoff distance. The ordnance package will include a miniature power supply, contact fuze and safe and arm device. The objectives are to: optimize the original MVT and PM design; develop derivatives that offer improved performance and functionality; and benchmark the MVT performance against multiple targets using equal volume, conventional warheads. The work plan is organized into the following three stages: component development and validation stage (designed to quickly mature the MVT ordnance package and PM propulsion system); system development and validation stage, which involves testing a realistic prototype in a relevant operational environment; and a technology transition stage.

Benefit:
The microscale ordnance technology has direct applications to developing more efficient energetic tools and devices for perforation and cutting operations in the oil exploration and production industry. EMPI is uniquely positioned to advance this commercialization because of its relationship with an energy services company for the oil industry.

Keywords:
Low Collateral Damage Munitions, Microscale Munitions, Reactive Materials, Thermites, Urban Combat Operations, Energetic Materials