Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Energetic Materials
Abstract
Since the inadvertent detonation of ordnance on the deck of the U. S. S. Forrestal in 1967, the primary goal for the development of new and improved energetic materials has been insensitivity, i.e., safe handling, with acceptable munitions performance. However, as the military capabilities of potential adversaries continues to evolve, there is recognition that future munition systems will need to increase energetic yields to defeat relevant target sets. There is a small, yet significant, concern within the energetic materials community that current explosives based upon carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, aluminum, and fluorine may be achieving limits of performance. Should this worry be realized, this technical proposal is the beginning stage of examining alternative approaches for the creation of new materials and munitions to be available as needed to defeat advanced threats. Presented here is an approach to reviewing and assessing work on the interactions of electromagnetic fields with energetic materials. Upon completion of this task, recommendations will be offered to the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate for investments in science and technology programs to advance this field of study, potentially offering new materials exceeding the performance of existing explosives in deployed munition systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 22, 2022
- Source ID
- FA86512220001
Entities
People
- John Fischer
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Energetics Technology Center
- United States Air Force