Munitions and Missile Systems

Mission

The goal of the Munition and Missile Systems Group is to develop and demonstrate critical components to enhance mission performance and safety of our weapon systems. We are focused on developing innovative interdisciplinary engineering solutions to complex system problems with near term transitions to the warfighter.

High speed camera images showing PSI prototype materials reacting upon impact.

Core Competencies

The Munition and Missile Systems group core competencies includes propellant formulation development and ingredients, ballistic characterization of energetic materials, high energy density monopropellants, health monitoring of solid rocket motors, and insensitive munition technologies.

Current Research Thrusts Include:

  • Multi-Functional, High Performance, IM-Compliant, Composite Case for Solid Rocket Motors

Sponsor: MDA

Objective: Develop a multifunctional IM compliant composite case for solid rocket motors that will

                  mitigate slow cook-off and bullet impact stimuli.

  • Advanced Coatings for Alane with Enhanced Stability

Sponsor: AFRL

Objective: Develop a high performing solid propellant fuel by coating AlH3 to enhance its thermal

                  stability and reduce electrostatic discharge sensitivity.

  • Experimental Characterization of the Evolution of Al-Al2O3 Particles within Solid Rocket Motors

Sponsor: AFRL

Objective: Characterize in-chamber processes of Al-Al2O3 particle evolution and its dynamic

                  behavior under various pressure, temperature and critical flow field conditions,

                  of large solid rocket motors.

  • An Advanced Insensitive, Tunable Initiation System for Insensitive High Explosives

Sponsor: Navy

Objective: Develop an innovative insensitive munition system for insensitive high explosives

                  that has the capacity to selectively modify performance of warheads.

  • Impact Ignition Sensitivity and Reaction Violence of Solid Propellant from Insensitive Threats

Sponsor: Army

Objective: Develop a reliable and robust model that will accurately predict the violent behavior

                  of propellants on impact from insensitive munition threats.

  • A High Performance, Low Cost, Rocket Propulsion System for Tactical and Space Applications

Sponsor: DARPA

Objective: Design, develop, and demonstrate a novel high energy rocket engine stage for

                  applications in global reach boost glide aircraft, spacecraft, and upper stage

                  vehicle

  • High Performance Monopropellants for Future Planetary Ascent Vehicles

Objective: Design, develop, and demonstrate, a novel high performance non-carcinogenic and

                 non-cryogenic monopropellant for application in future planetary ascent vehicles.
 

Area Leadership

The Munitions and Missile Systems group is led by Dr. Allan Dokhan who has over 13 years of experience in solid and liquid propulsion systems, insensitive munitions, formulation development and ballistic characterization of solid and liquid propellants.

Allan Dokhan

Dr. Allan Dokhan


Contact

Allan Dokhan
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077

Telephone: (978) 689-0003
Fax: (978) 689-3232
dokhan@psicorp.com

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