Abstract: The invention is a method and a composition where, on command, a distributed number of micron size voids are created in an energetic material. The voids are hot spots, which change the shock compression sensitivity of the explosive composition by a factor of 2 to 10. The composition contains SMART materials, which are magnetostrictive materials having a large magnetostrictive coefficient, and in a matter of microseconds following the application of an external electromagnetic field, each of the magnetostrictive nano-structures expands and contracts forming a void, where the sum of the voids increases the shock compression sensitivity of the composition.

Abstract: An electrical generator includes a fluid-flow driven impeller including at least one impact arm; and at least one cantilevered beam disposed such that the impact arm strikes the cantilevered beam as the impeller rotates. The cantilevered beam at least partially includes a piezoelectric film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube that contains nitrogen based functional groups (such as nitro, nitroso, N-oxide, oxime, hydroxylamine, diazo, azo, and azide) that are covalently attached to lattice carbons of the carbon nanotube, directly or via a chemical linker. The present invention also relates to methods for the preparation of the carbon nanotube from an amino-functionalized carbon nanotube via an amino oxidation reaction. The synthetic methods of the present invention allow the nitrogen based functional groups to be attached selectively to one of two distinct regions of the carbon nanotube, the ends or the sidewall, and thus enable the synthesis of a carbon nanotube having nitrogen based functional groups substantially concentrated on either the ends or the sidewall of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of a carbon nanotube from an amino-functionalized carbon nanotube via an amino oxidation reaction. The carbon nanotube includes nitrogen based functional groups that are covalently attached to lattice carbons of the carbon nanotube, directly or via a chemical linker. The synthetic methods of the present invention allow the nitrogen based functional groups to be attached selectively to one of two distinct regions of the carbon nanotube, and thus enable the synthesis of a carbon nanotube having nitrogen based functional groups substantially concentrated on the ends and/or the sidewall of the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Shipping and storage systems convertible between containers and racks are provided. Collapsible shipping and storage systems are provided, which include pallets with novel locking mechanisms. An embodiment includes a first pallet having an interface fitting and a locking component, a second pallet having a second interface fitting and a second locking component, and structural support members positionable between the pallets for supporting one of the pallets in spaced relation over the other pallet. The structural support members may include frame members and walls interchangeable with one another. The frame members may be combined with the pallets to establish a rack system having an open storage area. The walls also may be combined with the pallets to establish a storage container having a compartment.

Abstract: A retractable fitting assembly may include a cover that is rotatable around a first axis between closed and open positions, and a fitting that is rotatable around a second axis between closed and open positions. The first and second axes may be spaced apart and generally parallel. The direction of rotation of the fitting from the closed position to the open position may be opposite the direction of rotation of the cover from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position of the cover and the open position of the fitting, at least a portion of the cover abuts the fitting to thereby hinder rotation of the fitting.

Abstract: Molten droplets of a metal fuel, such as aluminum, are dispersed into air or water for a reaction releasing energy for military or other purposes. In one warhead embodiment, a cylinder of solid metal is disposed within a ceramic heat insulator; heaters of thermite-like material are embedded in the metal; and an explosive dispersing charge is disposed around or at one end of the cylinder. On activation, the heaters are ignited to melt the metal, and the charge then detonated to disperse droplets of the molten metal. In a related embodiment, the metal and heaters are within a containment having an atomizing nozzle at one end and, oppositely of the metal from the nozzle, a piston and gas generator. When the metal is melted, the gas generator is activated to expel molten metal droplets from the nozzle.

Abstract: An ignition element is provided for integration into a primer assembly. The ignition element includes an electrode housing including at least one cavity and an electrode disposed in the electrode housing. The electrode housing and electrode are electrically isolated from each other using insulators. A bridgewire and a primary ignition charge are located in the cavity such that upon application of current to the electrode the pyrotechnic ignition charge is ignited. A headstock is provided, and the electrode housing is threadably disposed within the headstock. Burst disks cover the cavity and separate the ignition charge from a primer charge containing powder disposed in a single booster holder.

Abstract: Shipping and storage containers, racks, and pallets including interlocking mechanisms are provided. An embodiment of the pallet includes openings, interface fittings aligned with the openings, respectively, and sized to fit into openings of identical sizes and configurations as the first and second openings, respectively, locking components operatively connected to one another, and an actuator for moving concomitantly the locking components into and out of the openings, respectively.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus having a substrate layer, a device layer and an intermediate oxide layer joining them. A slider is formed in the device layer and includes an enlarged end portion. A walled chamber having a hollow interior in which is positioned a microdetonator is formed in the substrate layer beneath the enlarged end portion and is secured to it by the oxide layer. A drive is operable to move the slider, and with it, the walled chamber, from an initial position to a final position. When in the final position an initiator is operable to initiate the microdetonator.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning tubes includes a horizontal, adjustable bed, the bed including a bed housing and a slide movably disposed in the bed housing, a tailstock assembly fixed to a top of the slide, the tailstock assembly including a tailstock coupling, bearings for supporting the tailstock coupling and a locking clamp that moves the tailstock coupling and bearings relative to the slide, a drive coupling, a drive unit connected to the drive coupling, and a rocket motor tube disposed between the drive and tailstock couplings, the rocket motor tube including a mask, each mask including an angled surface thereon.