Enhanced Microstructural Control of Plastic Bonded Explosives via Additive Manufacturing
Abstract
Plastic bonded explosives (PBXs) are used for a range of applications, such as explosive charges or propulsion, due to their high energy density and improved safety. PBXs have a complex eterogeneous structure that critically impacts their detonation performance and their sensitivity to shock, mechanical insult, thermal insult, and vibration. Although the connection between microstructure and sensitivity in PBXs is becoming better understood, manufacturing techniques that produce consistent microstructures on demand are lacking. Traditional prill pressing techniques lead to the random placement of defects that increase sensitivity. While extrusion-based additive manufacturing has been used to form meso- and macroscale features, the focus has been on optimizing the printability of energetic inks, so the energy content has suffered compared to prill pressing. New manufacturing methods are needed to construct complex geometries without sacrificing detonation performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310292
Entities
People
- Monique Mcclain
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Purdue University
- United States Air Force