Abstract: A light weight explosive mass for a spherical charge of high explosives used to simulate nuclear bursts at ground or above ground level or underwater wherein the sphericity of the loaded explosive mass must be maintained within tight tolerance, exemplary of which are particulate ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) explosive and liquid nitromethane explosive, contained in a flexible fabric shell that becomes spheroidal by reason of being filled with the explosive, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a die material in one embodiment is used for performing pseudo-isostatic pressing by using a uniaxial mechanical press to densify a powder mixture, preform or presinter with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The apparatus can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. As a result, near net shape parts can be cold or hot pressed pseudo-isostatically without using an expensive and sophisticated press apparatus of the prior art. In a second embodiment, the shape memory alloy is employed as the expansion tooling for near net shape forming of composite materials.

Abstract: A push rod for use in launching tubular projectiles employs a pyrophoric sintered mesh cloth machined to mate with the aft end of the tubular projectile within the gun barrel. The mesh cloth is configured to be entirely consumed during the initial portion of the external ballistic cycle and to push the projectile during the internal ballistic cycle. A preselected thickness of cellulose impregnated paper sheet, adhesively bonded to the aft end of the mesh cloth, delays combustion of the push rod until after the projectile and push rod have left the gun barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a die material for performing pseudo-isostatic pressing by using a uniaxial mechanical press to densify a powder mixture, preform or presinter with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The process can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. The shape transformation temperature for nickel-titanium alloy in particular, ranges from about -200 degrees Centigrade to +100 degrees Centigrade depending primarily upon alloy composition.

Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a reaction vessel for self-sustaining combustion (SSC) reaction synthesis of ceramics, intermetallics, metal or ceramic matrix composites and the like and as a die material for pseudo-isostatic hot pressing by providing a uniaxial mechanical press to density the reaction products with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The process can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article synthesized by the self-sustaining combustion reaction to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. The shape transformation temperature for nickel-titanium alloy in particular, ranges from about -200 degrees Centigrade to +100 degrees Centigrade depending primarily upon alloy composition.

Abstract: New propellant compositions characterized by the addition of certain simple salts and double salts, both metallic and non-metallic, having the B.sub.10 H.sub.10.sup.-2 anion in common, are taught herein to function as a class of burn rate catalysts, and not as fuels, when combined with a category of propellants known as nitrocellulose base propellants. Additionally, unique forms of the simple salts, created by coprecipitation of the simple salt with an oxidizer, constitute a third class of burn rate enhancers herein.

Abstract: A class of high burning propellants, useful as gun or rocket propellants, gas generators or specialized application where a very high burning rate is required, characterized by replacing the normally found oxidizer used in various propellants with certain coprecipitated salts of decahydrodecaboric acid and certain oxidizing agents. The resultant propellants employ such a coprecipitate as the major faction of the solids loading, and optionally may further include certain simple decahydrodecaborate salts for further enhancement of the burning rates in the thusly formulated and composed propellants.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel pyrotechnic materials useful in pyrotechnic, incendiary, and propellant compositions, and a method of their preparation. The process is characterized by being a cocrystalization of certain salts of decahydrodecaboric acid and certain oxidizing agents, the resulting coprecipitates are compositions chemically and physically distinct from the starting materials.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method and the resultant product of preparing consolidated propellant charges that incorporate an integral ignition compound, specifically certain simple salts of decahydrodecaboric acid and coprecipitates of these salts with an oxidizer. The charges so prepared exhibit substantially improved ignition and breakup compared to untreated charges, especially at low temperature, because each of the individual consolidated grains are surrounded by the salts taught herein.

Abstract: This invention teaches preparation of individual and uncoated propellant grains by incorporating a coating or integral layer of ignition compound, specifically simple salts of decahydrodecaboric acid and coprecipitates of these salts with an oxidizer. The resulting propellant grains so prepared exhibit substantially improved ignition capability, virtually independent of ambient conditioning temperature conditions at the time of use.

Abstract: An ignition device in the form of a linear member which has an internal linear propagation characteristic of a detonation, but a radial heat and gas evolution characteristic of a very fast deflagrating pyrotechnic material not accompanied by a shock or detonation wave. The device uses a central core containing an encapsulated explosive with a surrounding layer, or discrete layers, of a metal-clad pyrotechnic material that is significantly characterized by a class of compounds that are specific simple decahydrodecaborate salts containing the common anion B.sub.10 H.sub.10.sup.-2. The outer cladding materials themselves do not functionally ensure a radial deflagration; rather the specific pyrotechnic materials employed ensure a radial deflagration. There are taught specific relationships for components, and a necessary radial compaction.

Abstract: A process for production of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine from nitroso dimethylamine that is characterized as a completely closed system with respect to positive prevention of environmental contamination by waste nitrosodimethylamine. This process further provides a novel extraction step which also produces, as a solid by-product, potassium nitrate without nitrosodimethylamine contamination.