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 device and method for emitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing a reactive composite material (RCM) as an emission source. By selective modification of the reactive composite material (RCM), attributes of the emitting device, including the ability to produce specific radiation intensity levels at specific electromagnetic wavelengths, the ability to emit for a specific duration, the avoidance of dangerous reaction products, portability, geometric design flexibility, and simple, safe storage may be selected.

Abstract: A reactive composite structure having selected energetic and mechanical properties, and methods of making reactive composite structures enabling the construction of complex parts and components by machining and forming of reactive composite materials without compromising the energetic or mechanical properties of the resulting reactive composite structure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the reactive multilayer joining of components utilizing metallization techniques to bond difficult-to-wet materials and temperature sensitive materials to produce joined products.

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.