Metal Matrix Composite Energetic Structures for Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energetic materials based on reactive metal powders and organic matrices face challenges such as low ignition reliability at velocities less than 4000 ft/s, low density compared to targets, and lack of structural integrity, limiting their effectiveness in delivering kinetic and chemical energy to targets.
Innovation Solution
A munition comprising a structural component formed from a composite material with reactive energetic materials dispersed in a metallic binder material, which enhances control over ballistic, thermal, and density characteristics, and includes a method of forming a mixture of energetic materials with a metallic binder and shaping it into a composite structural component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic matrix materials are used in reactive energetic materials, then ease of manufacture is improved, but density and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of reactive energetic materials dispersed in a metallic binder material. This composite structure combines the ease of manufacture of composite processing with the high density and structural integrity of metallic binders, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and density/structural properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If organic matrix materials are used in reactive energetic materials, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system with reactive energetic materials dispersed in a metallic binder material. The metallic binder provides the necessary structural integrity and strength to withstand launch shocks and mechanical loads, while still allowing for practical manufacturing processes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If velocity of munition is increased to deliver more kinetic energy, then energy delivered to target is improved, but trade-offs in propulsion design and aerodynamic laws worsen overall effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the munition by using a metallic binder material with specific density and mechanical properties. This allows optimization of the energy-delivering components without requiring excessive increases in velocity, thereby reducing propulsion complexity while maintaining or improving overall effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the delivery of significantly greater total energy to targets by improving penetration capabilities, structural integrity, and energy release, while maintaining control over the timing and sensitivity of energy release.
Implementation Method 1
The second approach is to optimize the storage, and timely release, of potential energy (in the form of unreacted chemical energy) contained in a payload or fill material
Implementation Method 2
a minimum requisite activation energy must be transferred to the reactive materials in order to trigger the release of chemical energy
Implementation Method 3
components formed from such materials must possess a certain amount of structural integrity in order to afford proper functioning of the munition or munitions systems. For example, components formed from such materials must be able to if survive shocks encountered upon launch of the munition
Data Source
AI summary
A munition includes a structural component formed from a composite material comprising a energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also provided that includes forming a energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.