High Explosives (HE) can become mechanically unstable in field uses that create extreme vibration or turbulence. This can result in unpredictable performance. Solutions to this challenging problem have been to use traditional structural reinforcement, i.e. inclusion of reinforcing materials that can also act as a passive fuel source. However, there are disadvantages with these approaches including negative impacts on ignition, weight, and storage time. A novel reinforcement approach developed in LLNL can overcome many of these challenges as well as play an active role in output.
LLNL researchers uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) to create reinforcing scaffolds that can be integrated with High Explosives (HE) or solid rocket fuel with minimal volume fraction. Its main benefit is to create stability in harsh field conditions. Its secondary benefit is providing another method to finely tune blast performance or fuel burn. Creating complex shapes with structural reinforcing lattice materials that could also play a role in blast enhancement of the HE charges is enabled with AM.
LLNL has filed for patent protection on this technology.
Current stage of technology development: TRL 4
LLNL’s method of producing blast enhancing structural scaffolds has numerous advantages over traditional energetic and solid rocket fuels, such as:
1) Provides predictable performance of energetic materials exposed to harsh environments.
2) Enhances performance of energetic material by integrating rigid scaffolds that also can also contribute to the performance.
3) Enables more complex HE formulations tailored performance.
4) Increases performance certainty of solid rocket fuels.
• Rocket launches using solid rocket fuel
• Missile fuels
