Abstract: A heat-activated triggering device, such as for a missile or munition, includes a bi-metal trigger element, with a breakable pin of a first metal surrounded by a sleeve made of a second metal that is different than the first metal. The sleeve may be made of a shape memory alloy, such as a single-crystal shape memory alloy, that is pre-compresses around part of the pin. The sleeve may be configured to put a tension force on the pin as the sleeve passes a predetermined temperature, for instance a temperature at which the shape memory feature of the sleeve is activated. The pin may have a weakened portion, such as a notched portion, at which the pin breaks. The breaking of the pin may be used to drive a firing pin into a primer, to initiate a detonation and/or combustion reaction.

Abstract: Multistage thermal trigger devices disclosed herein may include a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first stage activates at a first temperature, and wherein the second stage activates at a second temperature. The first stage activates an arming assembly so that the second stage is armed. The second stage may then activate the output of the multistage thermal trigger device, via the arming assembly, when the second temperature is reached. An autoignition material (AIM) capsule is also disclosed herein. The AIM capsule may be deployed in connection with the disclosed multistage thermal trigger devices.

Abstract: Tracer ammunition for tracking the trajectory and/or the impact of projectiles in the target generally contains pyrotechnics. These pyrotechnics demonstrate various disadvantages, wherein the most serious is the continued burning of the pyrotechnics, even after penetration of the projectile in the target. This causes an increased risk of fire and acute injuries. A mixture of light metal and a carbon-containing substrate, ignites during firing of a projectile and burns during its flight by means of air oxygen introduced into the combustion chamber by way of tear-off edges, and produces a tracer that extinguishes in the target.

Abstract: A concealed amalgamated neutralizer covertly combines neutralizer material comprised of various combinations of inert materials such as calcium carbonate or silicates with common explosive material for the prevention of malicious use of the explosive material in improvised explosive devices. The concealed amalgamated neutralizer device may vary in shape, size, and color and is therefore adaptable to varying methods of containment typified by common pyrotechnic products. The neutralizer material mimics the explosive material of the pyrotechnic products without detection. Upon disassembly of a concealed amalgamated neutralizer device, the neutralizer material is mixed with and neutralizes the explosive material rendering the explosive material useless as a component for an improvised explosive device.

Abstract: A concealed amalgamated neutralizer covertly combines neutralizer material comprised of various combinations of inert materials such as calcium carbonate or silicates with common explosive material for the prevention of malicious use of the explosive material in improvised explosive devices. The concealed amalgamated neutralizer device may vary in shape, size, and color and is therefore adaptable to varying methods of containment typified by common pyrotechnic products. The neutralizer material mimics the explosive material of the pyrotechnic products without detection. Upon disassembly of a concealed amalgamated neutralizer device, the neutralizer material is mixed with and neutralizes the explosive material rendering the explosive material useless as a component for an improvised explosive device.

Abstract: An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire ignition flare is described. The fire ignition flare includes an elongated, combustible body with a fuse extending longitudinally through the combustible body. A first end of the combustible body can include a concave portion. The combustible body can be bonded to the fuse along a bonded portion, and the fuse can extend from the concave portion.

Abstract: A munition according to a preferred embodiment can include a detonator system having a detonator that is selectively coupled to a microwave source that functions to selectively prime, activate, initiate, and/or sensitize an insensitive explosive material for detonation. The preferred detonator can include an explosive cavity having a barrier within which an insensitive explosive material is disposed and a waveguide coupled to the explosive cavity. The preferred system can further include a microwave source coupled to the waveguide such that microwaves enter the explosive cavity and impinge on the insensitive explosive material to sensitize the explosive material for detonation. In use the preferred embodiments permit the deployment and use of munitions that are maintained in an insensitive state until the actual time of use, thereby substantially preventing unauthorized or unintended detonation thereof.

Abstract: An activation unit (1, 10) for munitions-free decoys, active masses or active bodies (3) is characterized by an ejector tube (2) and a high-powered heater element (4) arranged around the ejector tube (2, 12), wherein the heater element is made up of at least one heating wire (6), provided with electrical current by a regulator unit. Each heating wire (6) is enclosed in a sleeve (7) and embedded in at least one heat-loss minimizing material. The active body (3) passing through the activation unit (1,10) directly or indirectly contacts with the individual elements (4) of the activation unit (1, 10). Thermal energy is transmitted to the active body (3) from the heating wires (6), which ignites at the touching or contact point.

Abstract: A method and corresponding devices employ a mixture of at least a metal oxide and a metal which undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction. Microwave radiation is applied to the mixture so as to generate a localized hot spot in the mixture, thereby initiating the exothermic chemical reaction. The use of localized microwave radiation facilitates low power and portable implementations. Devices and techniques for cutting, drilling, welding, material synthesis, generating thrust, and mechanical power and motion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A primary ignition system for large caliber ammunition which ignition system is less sensitive to unwanted ignition by conventional temperatures or conventional electrical signals or by stray electrostatic voltage electrical signals, or stray RF frequency signals. This ignition primer device begins the ignition sequence with applying a high voltage electrical pulse to a non-energetic element, specially coated with nano sized aluminum particles, to release and ionized discharge that generate a plasma in order to ignite an environmentally friendly ignition composition mix. The ignition composition is also comprised of aluminum water based nano material combined with oxidizer and binder. In the device's primer head assembly is a brass ignition pin pressed into a (non-electrically conductive) Torlon® material cup. The non-conductive Torlon® material acts as an insulator for the entire system.

Abstract: A microcavity structure. In an illustrative embodiment, the microcavity structure includes a first substrate, which has a region of interest. A second substrate with a perforation therein is bonded to the first substrate. The perforation coincides with the region of interest. In a specific embodiment, the first substrate is implemented via a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The region of interest includes one or more circuit components, including an actuator, such as a bridgewire, thereon or therein. A smoothing layer is included between the PCB and the actuator. A bonding gasket adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. The perforation accommodates energetic material that is selectively ignited via the actuator.

Abstract: A method of forming a device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and at least one attached capillary; the depository being of millimeter scale; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter; depositing into the depository the liquid containing particles which flows into at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; which is used to form a device. A microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate, the depository being formed by at least one wall adjacent to the substrate; at least one capillary channel coupled to at least one depository that is formed by walls adapted to be filled with a liquid (by capillary action) comprising nanoparticles.

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: A projectile for safe standoff destruction of explosive devices. The projectile's casing encloses a chamber containing combustible material located opposite a roughened surface on the chamber. The combustible material is mounted so upon the projectile impacting the explosive device, the combustible material flies onto the roughened surface, heating the material by shear forces and igniting the material. This creates pressure bursting the chamber, injecting combustion gases into the explosive fill within the device, thereby igniting the fill locally at the impact, and along cracks in the fill. This arrangement prevents a coherent detonation wavefront from forming within the fill, and a slower burn of the fill, whereby a rifleman has little chance of receiving a concussive shock, or shrapnel, from the device.

Abstract: A sub-caliber bullet with an aerodynamic shape has long-range accuracy due to a high muzzle velocity and reduced time of flight to a target. The bullet has a forward portion, a mid-portion and an aft portion. The forward portion has a density in excess of 10/cm3 while the mid-portion has a lower density. The bullet has an aspect ratio of at least 5:1 and a diameter, d, that satisfies a Power Law equation: d=D*(x/L)n where D is a maximum bullet diameter, L is the length, x is a distance rearward from a nose of the bullet and n is a Power Law exponent that is between 0.5 and 0.75. In some embodiments, a blind bore extends into the mid-portion from the aft portion and a sustainer propellant within the blind bore ignites as the bullet exits a gun muzzle to provide a velocity boost and to overcome aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A gas generator has an igniter and a compressed gas container which contains a first filling gas and has an outflow opening that is closed by a first bursting diaphragm. Upon activation of the gas generator the igniter produces a shock wave which runs at least in part through the compressed gas container before destroying the first bursting diaphragm. The compressed gas container is filled with a mixture of the first filling gas and at least one second substance having a molar mass higher than that of helium, the proportion of the second substance being between 1 and 13 mole percent of the total filling quantity or reaching, at maximum, the total mass of the first filling gas, and the first filling gas being helium, hydrogen, or a mixture of the two gases.

Abstract: An ejection delay system, apparatus and/or method including an electronic ejection delay system having an ignition device; a power source connected to the ignition device; and, a flight parameter sensor switch electrically connected to the power source to initiate the provision of power from the power source to the ignition device; the electronic ejection delay system being disposed in some implementations in a housing system including a housing; a forward closure for closing the top end of the housing; and, an aft closure for closing the aft end of the housing. Also disclosed is a method for ejecting a rocket recovery system in flight; including sensing a parameter associated with flight; and, initiating deployment of a recovery system.

Abstract: A MEMS mechanical initiator having a striker arm extending from a striker body. The tip of the striker arm is adjacent to, but does not touch, the side of a microdetonator. A cocking and release mechanism moves the striker body such that the striker arm pulls away from the side of the microdetonator against the action of a set of springs connected to the striker body. Thereafter the cocking and release mechanism releases the striker body such that the tip of the striker arm swipes the side of the microdetonator causing initiation thereof.

Abstract: An electrophoresis process is used to form a more efficient and controllable triggering mechanism for solid explosives ignited through the application of electromagnetic energy. Electrophoresis is used to overcome the Van der Waals forces that hold the nanostructures together to disperse and align the nanostructures to the field lines of an applied electric field in-situ in the explosive or ex-situ in a pre-preg layer (or layers) that is then introduced to the explosive. The in-situ process requires fewer steps but is more constrained in the trigger structures that can be formed and care must be taken not to detonate the explosive during the electrophoresis process. The ex-situ process requires additional steps but provides greater flexibility to create trigger structures and the electrophoresis process is performed on a lower viscosity non-explosive material.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a submunition is contemplated having a submunition body, an explosive payload housed within said submunition body and an elongated delay member housed within the submunition body, the elongated delay member coated with at least one reactive material that provides a controlled time delay between submunition impact and detonation of the explosive payload. The submunition may also comprise an elongated pendulum having a hollow core sized to receive said elongated delay member, the elongated pendulum adapted to be movable between a locked position that mitigates likelihood of inadvertent detonation of the explosive payload and an unlocked position that enables detonation of the explosive payload.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film explosive detonator includes forming a substrate layer; depositing a metal layer in situ on the substrate layer; and reacting the metal layer to form a primary explosive layer. The method and apparatus formed thereby integrates fabrication of a micro-detonator in a monolithic MEMS structure using “in-situ” production of the explosive material within the apparatus, in sizes with linear dimensions below about 1 mm. The method is applicable to high-volume low-cost manufacturing of MEMS safety-and-arming devices. The apparatus can be initiated either electrically or mechanically at either a single point or multiple points, using energies of less than about 1 mJ.

Abstract: An initiator is provided for a munitions device that is intended to strike a target substantially along a trajectory direction and contains an explosive within a case. The initiator includes a sleeve, first and second anvils and an initiation pellet disposed between the anvils. The sleeve is disposed within the case and adjacent to the explosive, and defines an initiator interior aligned substantially parallel to the trajectory direction. The sleeve includes one or more orifices that extend therethrough between the explosive and the interior, the orifices being disposed adjacent to the pellet. The pellet is composed of a reactive material that chemically responds as a non-explosive to kinetic and thermal stimuli.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat-to-detonation transition manifold, a heat pipe connected to the transition manifold, a linear shaped charge, and a transfer line connecting the heat-to-detonation transition manifold and the linear shaped charge. An apparatus includes a thermally-activated pyrotechnic train and a linear shaped charge coupled with the pyrotechnic train. A method includes initiating a deflagrating material at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures, initiating a detonating material with the deflagrating material, and initiating a linear shaped charge with the detonated material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detonating explosives or igniting flammables are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the invention, initiators include an initiating component holding an exploding bridgewire (EBW) or an exploding foil initiator (EFI) and a flammable component housing thermite. An end of the flammable component mates with a corresponding end of the initiating component. A method of initiating the explosives or flammables includes connecting the two components to assemble the initiator, disposing the initiator proximate the explosives or flammables, and activating the initiator to cause ignition of the thermite that then initiates the explosives or flammables. Additionally, a non-explosive kit for the initiator includes the two components with the EBW or EFI initially spaced from the thermite within the flammable component to make the initiator disarmed until final assembly thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detonating explosives or igniting flammables are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the invention, initiators include an initiating component holding an exploding bridgewire (EBW) or an exploding foil initiator (EFI) and a flammable component housing thermite. An end of the flammable component mates with a corresponding end of the initiating component. A method of initiating the explosives or flammables includes connecting the two components to assemble the initiator, disposing the initiator proximate the explosives or flammables, and activating the initiator to cause ignition of the thermite that then initiates the explosives or flammables. Additionally, a non-explosive kit for the initiator includes the two components with the EBW or EFI initially spaced from the thermite within the flammable component to make the initiator disarmed until final assembly thereof.

Abstract: An ignition unit for a fire extinguishing assembly has an ignition unit housing with a firing pin disposed within the housing. A spring is coupled to the firing pin, and a restraining device holds the pin in place in the housing, A formed eutectic holds the restraining device in place such that when the eutectic deforms, the firing pin is released and moved by the spring in a desired direction.

Abstract: An ETC igniter and compatible electrical connector for enabling an ETC gun to be used in a battlefield setting in close proximity with personnel and sensitive electronic equipment. This is accomplished by providing a current path to and from the igniter that is electrically isolated from all other portions of the gun. The connector and igniter are adapted to be capable of withstanding the high connection forces necessary to prevent arcing and the extreme stresses imposed during firing of the gun.

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: A versatile cavity actuator. The versatile cavity actuator includes a cavity having one or more polymer-based sidewalls. An energetic material is disposed therein. A heater is disposed on or within the cavity. In a specific embodiment, the cavity includes a thermally insulating base positioned beneath the heater, which is positioned near the bottom of the cavity. The polymer-based sidewalls are constructed from a photo-curable epoxy, which is disposed on a substrate via microelectromechanical processes. The sidewalls are angled or parabolic and are constructed via a low-temperature lithographic spin process compatible with post integrated circuit processing.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of microactuators designed for mechanical, chemical, electrical or thermal functions in microsystems, for microelectronic applications such as chips, or biomedical applications such as cards incorporating microfluidics. The invention concerns a microactuator comprising a chamber machined in a solid support and containing a pyrotechnic charge. Said microactuator is essentially characterised in that the chamber is partly delimited by a deformable membrane, such that the gases emitted by combustion of the pyrotechnic charge enable to increase the volume of said chamber by deforming said membrane while maintaining intact the solid walls of the chamber.

Abstract: A single increment initiator charge for use in an inflatable restraint system and a method of preparing the single increment initiator charge are provided. The single increment initiator charge includes a homogeneous blend of zirconium, an oxidizer such as potassium perchlorate, and a combustion enhancer such as titanium hydride in an amount effective to result in the single increment initiator charge being effective to ignite an associated pyrotechnic charge. The single increment initiator charge may be formed by preparing a homogeneous blend such as by dry-blending the constituents or by mixing the constituents with a solvent such as an alcohol to form a slurry, loading the homogeneous blend into a charge holder and compressing the homogeneous blend.

Abstract: An explosion simulator including a chamber at least partially filled with a pyrotechnic material, the chamber being formed with a plurality of holes arranged for fluid products of an explosion of the pyrotechnic material to pass therethrough, and a delaying detonator adapted to detonate the pyrotechnic material, the detonator being adapted to delay onset of the explosion of the pyrotechnic material a period of time after actuation of the detonator.

Abstract: A high energy, stable, electrically activated explosive replacement initiator comprises at least a mixture of a metal, a highly-halogenated polymer moiety (HHPM) and a reduced halogen (or non-) halogenated polymer moiety (RHPM). These replacements can be used as detonators, initiators, or explosive devices alone or with other explosive systems and materials. The two polymer moieties, the HHPM and RHPM, may be provided in the following manners and generally in the following proportions. The halogen on the polymer preferably comprises chlorine or fluorine, preferably fluorine, and preferably at least 50% of halogen atoms in the polymer comprise fluorine. The fluorine is preferably provided on the polymer backbone (as in polymers formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomeric units such as tetrafluoroethylene, trifluoromonochloroethylene, difluorodichloroethylene, trichloromonofluoroethylene, trifluroethylene, and the like).

Abstract: The present invention provides an initiator assembly in which a metallic collar and an electric type initiator are combined securely to block a moisture penetration into the inside of the gas generator, thereby obtaining operation reliability of the gas generator.

Abstract: The invention comprised a device and method for firing firearm ammunition using a plasma torch generator. In a particular embodiment, the device relates to the control or management of the rate of fire and number of rounds fired in a burst firing mode for automatic firearms. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to provide precise control of the rate of fire. The device and method can be applied to conventional mechanical primer ammunition or used without the need for a primer, particularly in field artillery, aircarft, and watercraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an initiating element for use in a detonator to cause a base charge arranged in the detonator, to detonate. The initiating element comprises an ignitable initiating charge which upon ignition generates combustion gases by means of which the base charge is intended to be caused to detonate. The initiating element comprises a compression means which is arranged to be acted upon by said combustion gases to be moved towards the base charge for compression of the same. The invention further relates to a method of igniting a compressed base charge in a detonator, the base charge being further compressed during an initiation phase to increased density. In addition, the invention relates to a detonator provided with a base charge which at a moment of detonation has increased density.

Abstract: An ignition element consists of a combination of first and second ignition components. The first ignition component contains at least one primer, at least on heat-conducting additive selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminum, titanium, ferrotitanium, zirconium boride, zirconium hydride and mixtures thereof, at least one oxidant and a binder. The second ignition component contains at least one ingredient that produces hot re4action particles, an oxidant, and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bridge igniter 1 having: a resistance layer 3 which has a given electrical resistance and which can be heated by an electrical current; an electrical insulating layer 4 that is disposed on the resistance layer 3 and has a given thermal conductivity; a reactive layer that is disposed on the insulating layer, the insulating layer 4 transmitting the heat that is produced in the resistance layer 3 to the reactive layer 5, thereby causing the latter to undergo an exothermic reaction; and a pyrotechnic layer 7 that is disposed on or above the reactive layer 5 and that may be set off by the exothermic reaction of the reactive layer 5.

Abstract: A propellant device of consisting of a compact charge and a firing system for pipe weapons or ballistic drives is proposed. At least one electromagnetic radiation absorbing medium, e.g. carbon black, is dispersed in the compact charge and can be activated by means of a firing system emitting electromagnetic radiation. The compact charge is thereby disintergrated in fragments through triggering of the firing system and the fragments are accelerated into the gas volume produced during burning of the compact charge. The inventive propellant device avoids the use of chemical firing as well as mechanical firing means. Moreover, fragmentation of the compact charge permits maintenance of the produced maximum pressure over a longer period of time to impart a higher muzzle velocity to an object to be accelerated, e.g. a projectile, a rocket or the like.

Abstract: A non-detonating heat transfer initiator. A representative heat transfer initiator is in the form of a heat transfer control medium, having a heat input portion and a heat output portion, and a non-detonating autoignition material, having an autoignition temperature, in thermal contact with the heat output portion. When heat is applied to the heat input portion, a transfer of heat through the heat transfer control medium to the heat output portion results, heating the heat output portion, such that, upon application of a sufficient amount of heat to the heat input portion, the heat output portion is heated to the autoignition temperature of the non-detonating autoignition material, igniting the non-detonating autoignition material ignites, thus producing a non-detonating thermal output.

Abstract: An emergency rescue device is provided which includes a plurality of launching tubes, a plurality of upper and lower fixing pieces, a plurality of upper and lower connecting moving pieces, a plurality of groups of tenons and spring units, a lighting device, a plurality of supporting poles, a plurality of upper and lower uniting pieces, a plurality of upper and lower spring holder portions, an outer cylinder and a lid, etc. A flare used in the emergency rescue device comprises a far upper end loaded with signal powders; a second section loaded with pushing powders, below which lighting powders are loaded and are partially exposed to outside the circumference of the flare body; and a far lower end with a tail wing. The emergency rescue device of the present invention allows the flare to be fired immediately and consecutively at the sky for SOS signaling, enabling an immediate rescue for victims.

Abstract: A cartridge primer which utilizes an explosive that can be designed to become inactive in a predetermined period of time: a limited-life primer. The explosive or combustible material of the primer is an inorganic reactive multilayer (RML). The reaction products of the RML are sub-micron grains of non-corrosive inorganic compounds that would have no harmful effects on firearms or cartridge cases. Unlike use of primers containing lead components, primers utilizing RML's would not present a hazard to the environment. The sensitivity of an RML is determined by the physical structure and the stored interfacial energy. The sensitivity lowers with time due to a decrease in interfacial energy resulting from interdiffusion of the elemental layers. Time-dependent interdiffusion is predictable, thereby enabling the functional lifetime of an RML primer to be predetermined by the initial thickness and materials selection of the reacting layers.

Abstract: An air bag igniter including a foamed material, and an air bag assembly containing the same are disclosed. The foamed material is formed from a composition including, as ingredients, a polyfunctional isocyanate, a polymeric binder having a plurality of hydroxyl groups which are reactive with the polyfunctional isocyanate, a fuel source, an oxidizer, and a foaming agent which may or may not be retained in the foamed material.

Abstract: A heat transfer delay for providing a delay time in propellant, pyrotechnic, and explosive devices, and a method of delaying production of a non-detonating thermal output with the heat transfer delay. A representative delay is in the form of a housing having a first heat source cavity, a second heat source cavity, and a heat transfer cavity connecting the first and second heat source cavities. A pyrotechnic heat source is placed in thermal contact with the first heat source cavity, and a non-detonating autoignition material is placed in thermal contact with the second heat source cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an igniter composition which is capable of being extruded to yield a robust igniter extrudate. The composition is particularly useful in the form of an igniter stick or other selected geometry for use in supplemental safety restraint systems designed for use such as in vehicles, ground or airborne, having such systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: A caseless propellant charge structure and sensitizer structure for safe ignition and cleaner gas generation. The sensitizer structure is comprised of a sensitizer material which is encapsulated in a protective binder material. The protective binder layer is broken during desired ignition in the combustion chamber. Meanwhile the propellant structure comprises an oxidizer rich layer which also contains fuel and a propellant layer. The oxidizer rich layer is adjacent the sensitizer structure in the strip assembly. The oxidizer rich layer allows ignition while foregoing the need for high concentration of oxidizer throughout the propellant structure thus reducing the mass of solids generated from the oxidizer combustion.