Energetics
Energetics
PSI has expertise in gas, liquid and solid material characterization. Materials are characterized by optical microscopes and a Field Emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM includes energy dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) for rapid, high resolution imaging with identification of elements present on the sample. PSI also employs light interrogation techniques such as FTIR and UV-VIS for characterizing the samples. Other samples are analyzed using standard laboratory techniques, including particle size analysis, GC-MS, GC-TCD, pycnometry, and NMR. Mechanical properties of energetic materials are determined using Frank Bacon tension and compression testing machine. Thermal behavior is quantified using bomb calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
Structural Energetics
Advancements in structural energetics hold great promise for enabling innovative technologies.
Capability Description: Structural energetics is an emerging field of research that involves the development of materials that possess both structural integrity and the ability to release a significant amount of energy upon initiation. They key characteristic of structural energetic materials is their ability to undergo rapid exothermic reaction when subjected to external stimulus, such as heat, impact, or friction. These materials have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from aerospace to defense, by enabling the ability to perform both a structural role and an energetic function within a single material. While still in the early stages of development, structural energetics holds great promise for advancing the field of materials science and enabling new and innovative technologies.
Key Features: Two key technologies in this area that PSI has developed include:
- Insensitive Munition (IM) compliant composite motor cases.
- Combustible Cartridge Cases (CCC) for small arms munitions.
Insensitive Munitions Case
Energetic Ingredients
PSI has extensive laboratory space dedicated to organic chemical and energetic synthesis
Capability Description: PSI possesses capability in scaling energetic production from a few milligrans to the kilogram scale. PSI has laboratory space dedicated to organic chemical and energetic synthesis, with bench-top reactors, stir plates and analytical equipment. PSI maintains a micropilot facility capability of continuously producing hundreds of grams of energetic materials. Process development is guided by Aspen Plus Process Simulation Software.
Key Features: PSI has a synthesized many energetic ingredients for propellants including:
- Aluminum Hydride (AlH3)
- ASCENT Monopropellant
- Fine Ammonium Perchlorate (<5µm)
- Novel Explosives/Oxidizers
Coated Alpha Alane
Formulations
PSI produces high-performance propellants to support various mission applications
Capability Description: PSI has extensive experience producing propellants using Resonant Acoustic Mixers (RAM) and shear mixers. Propellants are produced on the lab scale for characterization and produced in a 1-gallon shear mixer for engine firings. PSI uses a Vibro energy grinding mill to control particle sizes of propellant ingredients. The particle sizes are characterized using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size analyzer. PSI vacuum casts propellant grains followed by oven curing.
Center Perforated Solid Rocket Grain