Abstract: A method of making a fiber reinforced energetic composite is provided. The method includes providing a mold or mandrel defining a shape for the fiber reinforced energetic composite, providing an impregnated fiber layup over the mold or mandrel, and curing the impregnated fiber layup. The impregnated fiber layup includes a fiber layup and polymer resin, the fiber layup formed from a plurality of reinforcing fiber layers and an energetic polymer nanocomposite disposed adjacent one or more of the reinforcing fiber layers with the polymer resin impregnated within the reinforcing fiber layers. The energetic polymer nanocomposite includes core-shell nanoparticles entrained in a thermoplastic polymer matrix where the core-shell nanoparticles include a core made of metal and at least one shell layer made of metal oxide disposed on the core or a core made of metal oxide and at least one shell layer made of metal disposed on the core.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cartridge that modifies the .223 cases to achieve a cartridge length of 38.3 mm for use with a bullet (e.g., 110 g). The present cartridge system allows the use of a 30-caliber bullet to be used in an AR15 rifle/pistol platform. The decreased cartridge length optimizes the powder burn rate and pressure, which in turn has a greater effect on the ballistics of the round. The present system yields 300-400 ft/s higher velocity over the .300 Blackout in rifle length barrels and greater than 500 ft/s in shorter pistol barrels.

Abstract: What is presented is a combustible pellet for creating heated gas. The combustible pellet is insertable into a cutting apparatus or a high power igniter or both. The combustible pellet is compacted to be resistant to mechanical damage and is resistant to unintentional ignition. The combustible pellet is ignitable without a loose powdered form of combustible material when the combustible pellet is in the cutting apparatus or the high power igniter.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes a composition that contains a nonmetal perchlorate such as ammonium perchlorate as a first oxidizer, a secondary metal nitrate oxidizer such as strontium nitrate or sodium nitrate, a first fuel such as maleic hydrazide and salts thereof, and a second nitrogen-containing fuel such as nitroguanidine or guanidine nitrate. Gas generating systems 180 such as vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.

Abstract: A gas generator is provided, the gas generator having a propellant cushion that prevents movement of propellant wafers, tablets, or grains by providing a bias thereagainst. Furthermore, the cushion may be formed from a polyurethane-based foam material and if desired, a known oxidizer combined within the foam. Channels inherent within the polyurethane-based foam enhance the combustion of the main gas generant. Alternatively, the substituted polyurethane polymer combined with an oxidizer may be formed as a monolithic grain that provides autoignition and gas generant function in lieu of a primary gas generant or in lieu of an igniter composition, for example.

Abstract: A side curtain airbag assembly includes an inflatable cushion and a sock for housing the cushion in a folded state. At least one of the cushion and sock includes a plurality of spaced markings arrayed along its respective longitudinal extent. Each marking is defined by at least two indicia including a first indicium and a second indicium. Each of the first indicium and second indicium is formed from a plurality of similarly shaped and sized interconnected pixels which together provide for first and second indicia having a predetermined height and width.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for making nano structures such a nanoheater. In one embodiment, the nanoheater element comprises a first reactive member and interlayer disposed in communication with at least a portion thereof. Preferably, contact between the first and second reactive members of the nanoheater element can yield at least one exothermic reaction. A nanoheater device of the invention can optionally comprise a substrate on which the first reactive member is positioned in combination with other components. The invention also provides a nanoheater system comprising a plurality of nanoheater elements. Exemplary nanoheater elements and systems can be used to perform a method of the invention in which heat is produced. Methods includes processes for fabricating nanostructures such as layered devices, nanorods and nanowires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, in the electrical ignition of a propellent charge (1) provided with an electrically conductive surface coating (5) and comprising one or more propellant components (3), ensuring that ignition and progressive combustion of the propellent charge take place. The method is characterized in that said electrically conductive surface coating, when ignition of the propellent charge is desired, is connected to an electrical high-voltage source (6), in that said high-voltage source is made to generate at least one high electrical pulse to said connected electrically conductive surface coating, and in that said at least one high electrical pulse produces an instantaneous flashover ignition of the electrically conductive surface coating of the propellent charge and of all its propellant components, simultaneously. The invention also relates to a propellent charge and to an ammunition shot comprising the propellent charge.

Abstract: A propellant charge body for insertion into a propellant charge chamber in a firearm for firing caseless ammunition has a base body which contains a propellant charge. The diameter of the base body is less than the internal diameter of the propellant charge chamber. Radial projections are formed in one or more subareas on the circumference of the base body and match the radius of the base body in these subareas to the internal radius of the propellant charge chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing propellant charges with progressive combustion characteristic and a higher charge density than previously considered possible to achieve, intended in the first instance for direct-firing barrel weapons such as tank cannons. Combined in the charge are at least two radially perforated propellant tubes, which are arranged in their entirety inside or after one another, and which have at an e-dimension selected in relation to the actual type of propellant and its desired combustion characteristic, combustion or ignition channels, and which have circular outer and inner boundary surfaces, in conjunction with which, before initiation of the charge, at least one of the total number of outer surfaces of these propellant tubes that are available for initiation has been treated with an inhibition, surface treatment or surface intended to delay the propagation of ignition to that surface so that the combustion of the propellant tubes is partially mutually overlapping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing propellant charges (2) of multi-perforated stick propellant with maximized charge weights for sub-calibre, armour-piercing, high-velocity projectiles (3), which are provided, for example, with six to eight, fixed stabilizing fins (5-10). The invention also encompasses a multi-perforated stick propellant (11-12) intended for this purpose and a propellant charge produced from multi-perforated stick propellant according to the methods.

Abstract: There is provided a gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and a high burning rate. The gas generating composition comprises fuel and an oxidizing agent, and as necessary a binder and additives, the gas generating composition comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of glycine and a derivative thereof as the fuel. A combination of glycine as the fuel, basic copper nitrate as the oxidizing agent, and carboxymethyl cellulose or a salt thereof as the binder is preferable.

Abstract: An actuator stack is provided and having two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction. Each of the two or more actuators having a solid detonation charge; a primer for igniting the detonation charge; and detonation wiring for powering the primer; and wherein at least one of the two or more individual actuators comprise an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat.

Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing wells employs a propellant charge and an ignition cord wrapped around the outer surface of the propellant charge to rapidly ignite the outer surface of the propellant charge.

Abstract: A flexible inflator for an inflation assembly and related gas generating propellant compositions are provided. The flexible inflator includes at least one elongated strand of a propellant co-extruded with a moisture barrier. The propellant compositions are adapted for co-extrusion with a plastic sheath which forms the moisture barrier surrounding the propellant and include a binder fuel component effective to render the composition flexible and to impart sufficient adhesive properties such that the propellant composition and the plastic sheath adhere together, and an oxidizer.

Abstract: A gas-generator is disclosed to intensify output of oil, gas, including gas from coal formations, or metals extracted by underground leaching by breakage and thermo gas chemical treatment of the critical formation zone with gaseous combustion products from a solid propellant. The rate of increase of gas pressure is raised and the effect on the formation is enhanced by assembling the gas generator using coated and bare charges in a selected ratio. The charges burn radially, so the coated charges, which burn only from the center outwards, burn for longer and with a rising output. A two-peaked pressure characteristic is thus obtained. A high-velocity igniter may also be used to give a third, early pressure peak.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: An oxidizer package for a propellant system for a motor in which the oxidizer is separated from fuel grain, the oxidizer package comprising oxidizer material and an ignition system therefor in a wrapping or sealing material. A hybrid rocket comprising oxidizer material and fuel grain, the oxidizer material being separated from the fuel grain and being in the form of a single package or plurality of packages of oxidizer material and an ignition system therefor, said packages generally conforming to the shape of the rocket. A grid of a pyrotechnic material. A propulsion system for a hybrid rocket comprising oxidizer material in a matrix, mesh, wool, foamed metal or wires of structural or pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device and a gas generating material, which, when ignited, produces gas to actuate the vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating material comprises a cubane compound having the general formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H and NO2.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas generator comprising an outer housing made of plastic, in which a pyrotechnic propellant charge and an igniter having its own igniter housing are accommodated. The igniter housing consists at least partially of plastic and is welded with the outer housing.

Abstract: A nitrate ester plasticized energetic composition in which the binder is made of, prior to curing, lower alkylene glycol prepolymer blocks end-capped with ethylene glycol monomers and/or oligomers. The end-capped prepolymer blocks are preferably difunctional or trifunctional. The lower alkylene glycol are preferably propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and/or copolymers thereof. The difunctional end-capped alkylene glycol prepolymer blocks are cured with a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. In the case of a trifunctional (or higher functional) end-capped alkylene glycol prepolymer block, preferably a diisocyanate is used to effect crosslinking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator comprising a gas-tight outer housing consisting of at least two parts, a first part of which being a receiving part for pyrotechnic material and a second part of which being a base part which is connected with the receiving part by welding so as to form the outer housing. One of both parts has a radially projecting, surrounding flange with an outer peripheral edge and the other part has an axially extending, rim-like projection circumferentially surrounding said peripheral edge and having an inner surface which is contacted by the peripheral edge. The welding of the first and second parts is provided at the flange.

Abstract: A vessel for a gas generator is formed of a cylindrical body, and at least one partition wall situated inside the body to divide the interior of the body into a plurality of chambers. The partition wall has a plastic deforming portion at an outer periphery thereof, which closely contacts an inner peripheral surface of the vessel by causing plastic deformation in a diameter-increasing direction. The partition wall can be easily secured to the vessel, and the vessel can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising a generator housing which has a base part, and an electric igniter which has a rear side, is fastened in the base part and has connection lines on the rear side. The gas generator further comprises a propellant charge in the generator housing, the propellant charge being provided outside the igniter and an insulating bush surrounding the connection lines and fastened to the generator housing. The insulating bush consists of plastic and contains electrically conductive particles.

Abstract: An explosive charge such as a cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) includes an explosive charge (14, 114, 214) having a first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) with discrete bodies (118, 218) of a second material embedded therein. In some embodiments, discrete bodies may comprise explosive material and the first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) may be more sensitive to initiation than the explosive material of the discrete bodies (118, 218). In a separate aspect of the invention, the discrete bodies may have a minimum dimension of at least 1 millimeter or, optionally, 1.6 millimeter, regardless of the explosive properties of the material therein. In a particular embodiment, discrete bodies may be shaped as cylindrical pellets rounded at at least one end. The cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) may be produced by melting the first explosive, disposing discrete bodies therein and cooling the molten material to solid form.

Abstract: A gas generant material body in the form of a tablet having a triangular cross section and associated methods of gas generation are provided.

Abstract: A disk-shaped propellant module (6) for a propellant charge (2), which can be composed of several modules of this type. To ensure a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the propellant charge (2) for a cartridge with increased charge density (>1.2 g/cm3), the propellant module (6) is provided with at least three axially extending ignition channels (9), uniformly distributed over a partial circle, and at least three radial ignition channels (10) that extend from the inside or interior of the propellant module (6) to its outer edge surface (11). The center of the circle for the axial ignition channels (9) is positioned on the central axis (100) for the propellant module (6) and each of the radial ignition channels (10) intersects with at least one of the axial ignition channels (9).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device and method for making the same is disclosed which includes a pyrotechnic composition comprising a fuel, an oxidizing agent, and at least one of a metal salt and metal powder; wherein the pyrotechnic composition further comprises a cylinder with an internal surface area positioned within an outer cylindrical surface area; and, wherein prime is proximately disposed at least at one end of the internal surface area of said cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hybrid gas generators intended to inflate a protective airbag. The generator (1) consists of two metal tubes (50, 51) welded together, the upstream tube (50) being of one piece with an internal partition (26) that has a central orifice (27) closed by a diaphragm (28). The generator thus has a reservoir chamber (29) containing a pressurized gas and a combustion and mixing chamber (46) containing a pyrotechnic device (4) and a support piece (30) carrying a piston-pillar (31) the stroke of which is limited. The hot gases cannot enter the reservoir chamber (29) which may thus contain a greater amount of gas.

Abstract: The proposed propellant powder exhibits a temperature-independent burning behavior and high ballistic stability. The production process starts with a perforated bulk powder grain, which is processed inside a mixing apparatus with a solid material, a plug-stabilizing moderator or deterrent (if necessary also a radical initiator) and a low-viscous liquid. With a minimum amount of solid material, moderator or deterrent and liquid and because of the continuous mixing, the form function is influenced in such a way that the gas-formation rate is practically independent of the propellant powder temperature. As a result, the muzzle energy at the normal temperature and, above all, at a low deployment temperature can be increased markedly as compared to that of a standard propellant powder.

Abstract: A temperature fuse for gas-generating mixtures consists of substances or mixtures of substances that have lower detonation points or decomposition points than the gas-generating mixture. In particular, the temperature fuse contains substances or mixtures of substances that thermally decompose exothermically in a narrowly restricted temperature range. The evolution of heat that results ignites the gas-generating mixture.

Abstract: A composition for generating smoke, consisting essentially of at least one chlorine compound having a chlorine content of at least 56% by weight of the chlorine compound, and a mixture of at least one metal oxide and at least one metal. The metal oxide is an alkaline-earth metal oxide and the metal is an alkaline-earth metal. The molar fraction of alkaline-earth metal, based on the total number of moles of alkaline-earth metal and alkaline-earth metal oxide, is between 0.33 and 0.67. Preferably, the chlorine compound is hexachloroethane. Also preferably, the molar fraction of the mixture of alkaline-earth metal and alkaline-earth metal oxide in the composition is between 0.37 and 0.91. The alkaline-earth metal comprises particles having an average size of 50-100 &mgr;m and particles having an average size of 150-300 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing solid rocket motors of the present invention comprises placing a mandrel having at least one easily disintegrative solid slot former positioned thereon substantially centrally along the axis of a rocket case, casting uncured solid rocket propellant about the mandrel and the easily disintegrative solid slot former, curing the solid propellant, and removing the mandrel and the easily disintegrative solid slot former from the cured propellant.

Abstract: A deforming charge assembly is provided which has an inner and an outer cylinder formed from carbon fiber. Each of the inner and outer cylinders have an inner circumference surface having an inner diameter and an outer circumference surface having an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder is greater than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder. Each of the inner and outer cylinders have a first layer of circumferentially wound carbon fiber, a second layer of unidirectional carbon fiber sheet and a plurality of layers of carbon fibers circumferentially wrapped around the second layer. A plurality of sympathetic detonation barrier members are provided and have an inner surface in contact with the outer circumference surface of the inner cylinder and an outer surface in contact with the inner circumference surface of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A propellant system for launching a large-caliber projectile includes a propellant having at least three partial charges. The first partial charge is adapted to acceleration requirements of the projectile; the second partial charge has a higher combustion velocity than that of the first partial charge; and the third partial charge has a lower combustion velocity than that of the first partial charge. The propellant system further includes an electric energy supply and control device connected to the propellant for igniting the propellant. The electric energy supply and control device has a plasma generator for affecting a combustion behavior of the propellant such as to obtain for said first partial charge, after ignition of the propellant, a maximum gas pressure level of always the same magnitude independently from an initial propellant temperature, and to obtain, for the third partial charge, a conversion such as to prolong the maximum gas pressure level in a predeterminable manner.

Abstract: A gas generating eject motor includes a case containing an ignitable low temperature gas generant material that does not produce toxic gases upon the combustion thereof. The gas generant material is generally contained with a screen enclosure housed within the case. An igniter is disposed within the gas generant material for selectively igniting the gas generant to thereby generate combustion gases. A nozzle is disposed within an open aft end of the case for focusing and directing the combustion gases generated by the ignited gas generant material. The case is constructed and arranged to be separably attached to the aft end of a rocket to be launched from a launch platform, so that, upon ignition of the gas generant, the combustion gases focused by the nozzle will apply a thrust to the rocket and thereby propel, or eject, the rocket from the launch platform, at which time the combustible propellant of the rocket motor will ignite and the eject motor will be separated from the rocket.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are coated with an energetic deterrent coating which reduces the burning rate at the surface of the propellant grain and causes the propellant to burn progressively. The use of energetic materials, that are slightly soluble in the coating solvent, improve the burning properties of the propellant without decreasing the chemical energy.

Abstract: A propellant charge arrangement for barrel-weapons or ballistic drives comprises a conventional core charge having an ignition system and a consolidated propellant surrounding the core charge and having its own high electrical energy ignition system which can be controlled in a time-delayed manner after triggering the core charge ignition system. The structure and arrangement of the consolidated propellant and its ignition system are chosen such that, during combustion of the core charge, the consolidated propellant disintegrates into fragments of essentially uniform geometry in response to triggering of its associated ignition system, wherein the fragments are accelerated into the gas volume generated during combustion of the core charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of protecting the occupants of a motor vehicle by an inflatable airbag. The invention relates to a process consisting in inflating an airbag (1) by a pyrotechnic generator (2) containing a double-composition charge (9) formed around a main charge having a linear burning rate V1 and at least part of the ignition faces of which are covered with a skin of moderate pyrotechnic composition having a linear burning rate V2 satisfying the relationship: 0.05 V1≦V2≦0.5 V1. The invention thus makes it possible to inflate the airbag gradually during the first milliseconds of deployment of the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device which involve a heat source composed of a load of fuel material and an initiator is actuatable to be in heat transmitting communication such as to initiate dissociation of a gas source material to form at least one gaseous dissociation product used to inflate the inflatable device.

Abstract: A flashless rocket propellent has a continuous potassium sulfate rod extending though the length of the propellent component. The flashless rocket propellent is particularly useful in the MK 66 Rocket Motor.

Abstract: A spontaneous firing explosive composition for use in a gas generator for an airbag containing a fuel, an oxidizer, a combustion modifier, and a binder.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for outputting a gas is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an inflator having a propellant for supplying inflation gas(es) to an inflatable located in a vehicle. A confining member is located adjacent to the propellant. A number of spaced holes are provided in the confining member, either before or after activation of the propellant. Inflation gas is received through the spaced holes for subsequent passage to the inflatable. In that regard, the inflation gas first passes through a chamber defined in a timing member that has metering orifices. Such orifices regulate the flow of the inflation gas to the inflatable. The confining member is able to withstand significant pressures without rupturing. Each of the confining member and the timing member is preferably made of a non-metallic material. The propellant includes a fuel-rich material and an oxidizer material, preferably ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of protecting the occupants of a motor vehicle by an inflatable airbag.The invention relates to a process consisting in inflating an airbag (1) by a pyrotechnic generator (2) containing a double-composition charge (9) formed around a main charge having a linear burning rate V.sub.1 and at least part of the ignition faces of which are covered with a skin of moderate pyrotechnic composition having a linear burning rate V.sub.2 satisfying the relationship:0.05 V.sub.1 .ltoreq.V.sub.2 .ltoreq.0.5 V.sub.1.The invention thus makes it possible to inflate the airbag gradually during the first milliseconds of deployment of the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a vehicular inflatable device are provided wherein inflation gas is produced via a dissociative material wherein an initiator includes an enhanced fuel pyrotechnic formulation which, in addition to initiating dissociation of at least a portion of a quantity of gas source material contained within the inflator, forming dissociation products used to inflate the device, also forms particles to interact with one or more of at least a portion of the remaining quantity of gas source material contained within the inflator and the dissociation products to form additional inflation products for inflating the inflatable device.

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: An autoignition system for use in an inflator or method of inflating includes a separator which divides a composition capable of spontaneous combustion or autoignition so that it cannot combust until the separator is removed or altered in form. The separator is made of a material which melts at a select temperature so that autoignition will occur upon melting of the separator. The system can also use the separator or a burst disc to sensitize a desensitized spontaneous combustion mixture to achieve autoignition at a desired temperature.