Abstract: Digital metamorphic alloy (DMA) buffer structures for transitioning from a bottom crystalline layer to a lattice mismatched top crystalline layer, and methods for manufacturing such layers are described. In some embodiments, a layered crystalline structure includes a first layer of a first crystalline material having a first in-plane lattice constant and a second layer of a second crystalline material disposed over the first layer and having a second in-plane lattice constant that is lattice mismatched with the first crystalline material. Multiple sets of buffer layers may be disposed between the first layer and the second layer. Each set is a digital metamorphic alloy including a buffer layer of a third crystalline material and a buffer layer of a fourth crystalline material where an effective in-plane lattice constant of each set falls between the first lattice of the first layer and the second lattice constant of the second layer.

Abstract: A composition C4 substitute is provided, the substitute including 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]-dodecane (CL-20), optionally one or more nitramines other than CL-20, and silicone fluid. Also provided is an additive composition including CL-20 and bis(dinitropropyl)acetal and bis(dinitropropyl)formal (BDNPA/F). The additive composition is preferably combined with composition C-4.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that includes 85 to about 96 weight percent nitramine, based on the total composition weight, and about 4 to 15 weight percent plasticized binder. At least 80 weight percent of the total composition weight, and more preferably 85 to 96 weight percent of the total composition weight, comprises 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]-dodecane (CL-20) particles having an average particle size not greater than 30 microns as the nitramine. Methods for preparing an explosive from the explosive composition are also provide.

Abstract: A composition C-4 substitute is provided, the substitute include 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]-dodecane (CL-20), optionally one or more nitramines other than CL-20, and silicone fluid. Also provided is an additive composition including CL-20 and bis(dinitropropyl)acetal and bis(dinitropropyl)formal (BDNPA/F). The additive composition is preferably combined with composition C-4.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that includes 85 to about 96 weight percent nitramine based on the total composition weight, and about 4 to 15 weight percent plasticized binder. At least 80 weight percent of the total composition weight, and more preferably 85 to 96 weight percent of the total composition weight, comprises 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]-dodecane (CL-20) particles having an average particle size not greater than 30 microns as the nitramine. Methods for preparing an explosive from the explosive composition are also provided.

Abstract: This substantially water-free method for preparing high density igniter granules involves uniformly coating fuel and oxidizer particulates dispersed in a non-solvent with a thermoplastic elastomer solution to produce coated igniter granules exhibiting substantially uniform size and shape distributions. The coated igniter granules are especially useful for waterless extrusion into igniters for automobile gas generating inflation devices, solid propellant rocket motors, and thrust decoys.

Abstract: A water slurry method of making high performance explosive compositions and ordnances using the explosive compositions as an explosive ingredient for high performance, low sensitivity explosive applications is disclosed. The method involves combining an aqueous dispersion including CL-20 with a lacquer including at least one non-energetic binder and at least one plasticizer, then agitating the slurry to form CL-20 granules. The CL-20 may be present in the explosive formulation in a concentration of from about 85 wt % to about 96 wt %. The formulation is preferably sufficiently pressable and/or extrudable to permit it to be formed into grains suitable for ordnance and similar applications, including use as grenades, land mines, missile warheads, and demolition explosives.

Abstract: High performance explosive compositions and ordnances using the explosive compositions as an explosive ingredient for high performance, low sensitivity explosive applications are disclosed. The explosive formulation includes CL-20 as an explosive ingredient, and a binder system including cellulose acetate butyrate as a non-energetic binder and bis-dinitropropyl acetal and bis-dinitropropyl formal as an energetic plasticizer. The CL-20 may be present in the explosive formulation in a concentration of from about 85 wt % to about 96 wt %. The formulation is preferably sufficiently pressable and/or extrudable to permit it to be formed into grains suitable for ordnance and similar applications, including use as grenades, land mines, missile warheads, and demolition explosives.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a furnace wall in which a plug member is secured to a shell member which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to the furnace wall. The plug member is formed from a cast ceramic fiber tamping mix of bulk fiber and high temperature inorganic binders and has a relatively low density. A centrally located stepped bore extends through the plug member for receiving a rod to the interior face of the shell member. A fastening means engages the rod for securing the plug member relative to the shell member and an insert formed from the same material as the plug member is fixed in the bore hole.