Processing and Handling of Reactive and Structural Reactive Materials

ARDEC is exploring the use of reactive materials, and structural reactive materials, in various applications such as the replacement of warhead components, particle impact mitigation sleeves (PIMS liners), reactive fragments, and reactive casings.

In order for these materials to be developed and transitioned effectively, the proper processing, characterization, and handling techniques and precautions need to be established. Effectively identifying all of these issues will ensure that we will see heavier usage of these materials in the near future to enhance the performance of munitions and to improve muntions' response to outside stimuli such as bullet impact (BI), fragment impact (FI) and cookoff. Achieving Insensitive Munitions (IM) compliance is a key goal while not reducing the overall effectiveness of the warhead.

This paper will discuss some of the materials and techniques ARDEC has explored in order to build the necessary capability to handle these types of materials, as well as the processing techniques used to make materials and components for specific end-item applications.