Most energetic materials, specifically explosives, are composites. Composite energetics material properties are, like most composites, dominated by the interaction of their constituents. The interplay of organic crystals, polymer binders, metal particles, and oxidizers creates a large and unpredictable parameter space when combined in a single material. It has been shown, for instance, that even a change in void structure for a single component explosive can greatly influence the initiability, among other things. Everything from chemical reactivity under shock loading to mechanical failure under quasistatic compression can be influenced and, if understood, controlled by changing how the constituents interact or are structured.

It is the goal of this research to investigate the micro and interfacial structure of composite explosives and relate it to reactivity of the constituents and bulk phase material properties. In-house experimental capabilities include FIB, SEM, TEM, and micro-CT for structural characterization down to the nanoscale. Additionally, thermochemical analysis is also facilitated via DSC, TGA, GCMS, HPLC, and small-scale sensitivity/safety testing. Mechanical tasting at various strain rates can be accomplished via internal collaboration. Finally, detonation characterization is possible through both in-house and external collaboration (including detonation calorimetry locally, and direct in-situ x-ray probes through DOE collaborations).

key words

energetic materials; explosives; detonation; physical chemistry; electron microscopy; surface science; metal combustion

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants