United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

Christopher Crouse

Jonathan E Spowart

Breanna K Hardenstein

Christian J Pierce

Geremy Kleiser

Brian K Little

Walter McCracken

Christopher Lindsay

Dylan T Slizewski

Alan Yeates

Dylan K Smith

Ian Kowalczyk

A method of making RDX nanoparticles comprises dissolving RDX in acetone; injecting the RDX/acetone through an inner tube of a turbulent mixer to form an inner flow; injecting an anti-solvent through an outer tube of a turbulent mixer to form an outer flow, wherein the inner tube is concentric with the outer tube, wherein turbulent mixing of the inner flow and outer flow precipitates nanoparticle of RDX. The concentration of RDX in acetone may be 0.5-1.0 mg RDX/mL acetone. The anti-solvent is a mixture of hexane and cyclohexanone.

Synthesis of high explosive nanoparticles by turbulent mixing

A munition includes a munition body containing explosive material. An electronic subsystem is active between release and detonation of the explosive material. One or more batteries are electrically connected to the electronic subsystem to provide power to the electronic subsystem prior to detonation. The one or more batteries are positioned adjacent to the explosive material to be accelerated outward as corresponding munition projectiles after detonation, increasing the effective payload of the munition by performing dual functions. In one or more embodiments, the explosive material is cylindrically shaped and longitudinally aligned in a warhead section of the munition body. The one or more batteries are annularly positioned on lateral surface of the explosive surface to form a cellular fragmenting structure. In a particular embodiments, the munition body is a missile body containing a rocket propulsion system and the electronic subsystem comprises a missile guidance system.

Battery augmented munition

Reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures comprising functionalized metal nanoparticles that are incorporated into a fluorinated polymer matrix using an in-situ polymerization process and methods of making and using the same. The reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures according to the present invention demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties due to the direct chemical integration of the nano-metal fuel particles into the fluoropolymer matrix. In addition, the reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures may be processed using conventional polymer processing and may be used to fabricate materials such as reactive liners, casings, and other components and inserts. The intense heat produced during reaction may further be used in a variety of applications such as disinfection, decontamination, and/or destruction.

Particulate-based reactive nanocomposites and methods of making and using the same

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Valparaiso, FL, United States of America

Christopher Crouse