Structure-Function Relationships in Advanced Manufacturing from Fast Microscopic Imaging and Mass Spectrometry
Abstract
We will explore at approx. microsecond time and approx. micrometer spatial resolution the reaction front and chemistry of Additive Manufactured (AM) composites, so as to relate the composition and microstructure to the burning properties at both the micro and macro scale. This approach will enable us to develop conceptual models, data for quantitative models, and test out new concepts for better understanding and new insights. We will employ a new high-speed (Vis-IR) microscopy-thermometry capability as well as high speed mass spectrometry. The results of this work will provide a very rigorous test matrix for model development that are important to the US Air Force’s development of new munitions and propellants. In Task 1 we will fabricate by sputtering highly refined reactive material architectures, (nanolaminates, checkboards, porosity, etc) which will provide the most precisely defined arrangement of fuel-oxidizer ever produced. These will be evaluated to obtain reaction font thickness, temperature profile, micro burn rates and velocity distributions, suitable for model validation. In Task 2 we will, using 3-D printing methods to fabricate polymer nanocomposites. We will be exploring the reaction front and the pre-heat zone by imaging, and chemistry by mass spectrometry. One focus is how to change the nature of the reaction front to increase energy delivery rate and minimize particle sintering. We will also be exploring a new concept using unzipping polymers to generate more gas and minimize particle sintering as well as change the pre-heat zone. In Task 3 Another approach to manipulate the reaction front will use low temperature reactive gas generators, specifically metal hydrides to generate hydrogen to promote combustion and to propel particles away from each other to minimize sintering. In summary, using AM we will explore structure-function relationships. This approach will provide a window into evaluating reaction fronts in propellants and energetics at an unprecedented scale.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110336
Entities
People
- Michael R. Zachariah
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California Regents