Integrated Instrumentation for Enhanced Characterization of Stability and Performance of New High Energy Density Materials

Abstract

This proposal requests funds for a combination of upgrades and new instrumentation to create an integrated system for the characterization of structures, vibrational and acoustic properties, reaction dynamics, and energetics of new high energy density materials (HEDMs) at both ambient and high pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions. The proposed system will enable optical experiments complemented by x-ray and other measurements over a broad range of time scales under high P-T conditions used for synthesis of the materials and characterization of their performance. A multiline laser system will employ variable excitation wavelengths for phase identification and structural characterization of the new HEDMs using excitation wavelengths optimized for sensitivity and stability under laser irradiation. With upgraded Brillouin spectroscopy complementing current ultrasonic capabilities, the acoustic properties and equations of state of HEDMs will be determined with an upgraded and highly sensitive Brillouin scattering system. An infrared spectrometer with rapid-scan capabilities will permit time-resolved measurements in the frequency range where additional property information will be obtained. The in-house instrument will complement synchrotron-based facilities to permit local development of new experimental techniques prior to their implementation at the synchrotron beamline. Dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC) instrumentation will allow controlled increase in pressure for time-resolved experiments utilizing the optical and x-ray tools. Synchronizing dDACs with time-resolved optical and synchrotron x-ray techniques will open up a new dimension in the characterization of HEDMs at extreme conditions. The integrated system will be used by undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs who will carry out experiments aimed at understanding the key properties and fundamental mechanisms of reaction kinetics of new energetic materials. Development and use of this comprehensive set of characterization tools will provide unique training opportunities through an introduction to state-of-the-art instrumentation and demonstration of the complementary nature of this set of spectroscopic methods as well as an introduction to the practice of time-resolved spectroscopy and dynamic compression methods. This instrumentation will also be made available to the broader ARO materials community through our network of DoD-funded collaborators.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 11, 2022
Source ID
W911NF2210217

Entities

People

  • Russell J. Hemley

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • University of Illinois at Chicago

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Directed Energy - Lasers