Explosives using thermally expandable microspheres in a solid matrix
AssigneeTriad National Security, LLC
InventorsAmanda Lynn Duque, William Lee Perry, Bryce Tappan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Explosives using thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs) in a solid matrix are disclosed that facilitate tunable changes in local density, porosity, and ultimately, shock sensitivity. Solid high explosive systems with “on demand” shock sensitivity may be created. A relatively small fraction (e.g., 1% or less) of TEMs may incorporated during the manufacturing process of the solid matrix explosive (e.g., polymer-bonded explosives (PBX), trinitrotoluene (TNT), etc.). The fraction of TEMs used to achieve the desired explosive properties will depend on the base explosive material to achieve the desired initiation sensitivity.
Claims20
A solid matrix explosive, comprising:
- a detonator;
- a booster charge;
- and
- a high explosive comprising thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs) located between the detonator and the booster charge, the TEMs comprising a thermoplastic shell that encapsulates an inert hydrocarbon, wherein
- responsive to a thermal stimulus being applied to the solid matrix explosive, the thermoplastic shell softens and the inert hydrocarbon gasifies to expand the TEMs, increasing shock sensitivity of the solid matrix explosive,
- the TEMs, when expanded, complete an explosive train with the detonator and the booster charge, and
- the solid matrix explosive is a secondary high explosive charge, the secondary high explosive charge configured to control explosive behavior, enhance safety, or both.
A solid matrix explosive, comprising:
- a detonator;
- a booster charge;
- and
- a high explosive located between the detonator and the booster charge and comprising thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs) comprising a thermoplastic shell that encapsulates an inert hydrocarbon and a polymeric binder material that exists in a solid phase at room temperature, wherein
- responsive to a thermal stimulus being applied to the solid matrix explosive, the thermoplastic shell softens and the inert hydrocarbon gasifies to expand the TEMs, increasing shock sensitivity of the solid matrix explosive,
- the TEMs, when expanded, complete an explosive train with the detonator and the booster charge, and
- the solid matrix explosive is a secondary high explosive charge, the secondary high explosive charge configured to control explosive behavior, enhance safety, or both.
A solid matrix explosive, comprising:
- a detonator;
- a booster charge;
- and
- a high explosive located between the detonator and the booster charge and comprising thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs), the TEMs comprising a thermoplastic shell that encapsulates an inert hydrocarbon, wherein
- the TEMs, when expanded, complete an explosive train with the detonator and the booster charge,
- the TEMs make up a fraction of 1% or less of the solid matrix explosive by weight percent,
- the solid matrix explosive is an explosive train interrupter such that a gap exists between the solid matrix explosive comprising the TEMs and both the detonator and the booster charge when the TEMs are in an unexpanded state, and
- responsive to a thermal stimulus being applied to the solid matrix explosive, the thermoplastic shell softens and the inert hydrocarbon gasifies to expand the TEMS, increasing shock sensitivity of the solid matrix explosive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.