Abstract: Applicants have discovered that electrostatic discharge (ESD) may, in some circumstances, result in current densities sufficient to ignite unprotected reactive composite materials. They have further discovered that a reactive composite material (RCM) can be protected from ESD ignition without adversely affecting the desirable properties of the RCM by the application of conducting and/or insulating materials at appropriate locations on the RCM. Thus ESD-protected RCM structures can be designed for such sensitive applications as ignition of propellants, generation of light bursts, and structural materials for equipment that may require controlled self-destruction.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that electrostatic discharge (ESD) may, in some circumstances, result in current densities sufficient to ignite unprotected reactive composite materials. They have further discovered that a reactive composite material (RCM) can be protected from ESD ignition without adversely affecting the desirable properties of the RCM by the application of conducting and/or insulating materials at appropriate locations on the RCM. Thus ESD-protected RCM structures can be designed for such sensitive applications as ignition of propellants, generation of light bursts, and structural materials for equipment that may require controlled self-destruction.

Abstract: A method for joining component bodies of material over bonding regions of large dimensions by disposing a plurality of substantially contiguous sheets of reactive composite materials between the bodies and adjacent sheets of fusible material. The contiguous sheets of the reactive composite material are operatively connected by an ignitable bridging material so that an igniting reaction in one sheet will cause an igniting reaction in the other. An application of uniform pressure and an ignition of one or more of the contiguous sheets of reactive composite material causes an exothermic thermal reaction to propagate through the bonding region, fusing any adjacent sheets of fusible material and forming a bond between the component bodies.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a fuse comprises a reactive composite structure to interrupt the flow of current in a circuit. The term fuse, as used herein, is intended to cover current interrupters generically and thus encompasses fuses, circuit breakers and other devices for interrupting the flow of current through a conductor. Reactive composite structures comprise two or more phases of materials spaced in a controlled fashion throughout a composite in uniform layers, local layers, islands, or particles. Upon appropriate excitation, the materials undergo an exothermic chemical reaction that spreads rapidly through the composite structure generating heat and light. Moreover a reactive composite structure can break apart upon reaction. This breakage can rapidly interrupt the flow of current through the reactive composite structure. Such structures can provide high-speed current interruption.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of simulating an ignition of a reactive multilayer foil. Other embodiments include various methods of igniting a reactive multilayer foil by transferring energy from an energy source to a reactive multilayer foil.