Abstract: A precursor formulation of an energetic composition with improved electrostatic charge dissipation, including an amorphous carbon black having a specific surface area of at least about 1,200 m2/g, in an amount from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.25% by weight. Also disclosed is a precursor formulation of a propellant composition with improved electrostatic charge dissipation. The amorphous carbon black having a specific surface area of at least about 1,200 m2/g may enhance electrostatic charge dissipation of the HTPB-based propellant composition, without affecting a breakdown voltage of the propellant composition.

Abstract: Gas generator for a safety system, comprising: at least one pyrotechnic substance arranged to produce gases; a first part; a second part; a third part; and a fourth part separate from the previous parts, the first part and the second part being friction-welded to the third part. The gas generator is characterised in that the fourth part comprises: a first interface for positioning with the first part, and a second interface for positioning with the second part, such as to temporarily block at least one degree of freedom between the first and second parts in order to allow the first and second parts to be simultaneously friction-welded to the third part.

Abstract: Various embodiments of optimized subsonic projectiles are provided along with related methods. For example, one exemplary subsonic projectile can include an elliptical nose cone, a cylindrical body and a boattail with various design features that can be used in a subsonic ammunition cartridge where the subsonic projectile is stabile throughout at least a segment of a flight allowing for better accuracy, maintaining low drag, maximizing range and achieving desired performance while ensuring the projectile stays below the speed of sound and lowering a noise profile of projectile and a launcher firing the projectile.

Abstract: A double base propellant modifier uses a lead-tin component with a defined amount of lead and a copper component with a defined surface area to effect super-rate burning of double base propellants with defined plateau and mesa burning rate characteristics.

Abstract: Adding nanoparticles as a catalyst to solid propellant fuel to increase and enhance burn rates of the fuel by up to 10 times or more and/or modifying the pressure index. A preferred embodiment uses TiO2 nanoparticles mixed with a solid propellant fuel, where the nanoparticles are approximately 2% or less of total propellant mixture. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles improve the performance of the solid propellant fuel.

Abstract: An improved method of explosively bonding a first metal to a second metal with an explosive composition comprising a base explosive in admixture with an inert particulate material, the improvement wherein the diluent comprises an inert material having a mean particle size selected from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, a hardness value of not less than 4 mohs, and a plurality of faces and edges. The explosive composition allows for a sustainable detonation value of less than 1800 m/s, preferably less than 1200 m/s to reduce or prevent the formation of interface waves.

Abstract: A gas generant is provided which decreases toxic components, in particular carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, in generated gas to a concentration practical as an air bag system for automobile. A nitrogen-containing organic compound such as a compound containing amino group or amido group or a tetrazole derivative and a oxygen-containing inorganic oxidizer such as KNO3, Sr(NO3)2 or KClO4 are essential components. Therewith one or more metal oxides are contained in the mixed catalyst of the gas generant composition. The oxide is selected from manganese dioxide having a specific surface area not less than 50 m2/g; copper oxide having a specific surface area not less than 1 m2/g; molybdenum oxides such as molybdenum dioxide, molybdenum trioxide, molybdic acid and ammonium molybdate: and copper oxides, cobalt oxides, iron oxides and silver oxides.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) includes a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to said heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate pyrotechnic material and a particulate polymeric resin binder. The particles (112) of the polymeric resin binder are fused together and form a structure having interconnected open cells (118). The particles (114) of pyrotechnic material are disposed within the interconnected open cells (118) and form a combustible network of pyrotechnic material.

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 thixotropic oxidizer gel comprising inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IA) as the carrier with lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3) suspended therein and gelled with a gellant agent of SiO.sub.2 having a mean particle size of 0.015 microns has the rheological properties which can be tailored to match those of MICOM GEL, a fuel gel.A thixotropic gelled fuel (MICOM GEL) has been of particular interest because of its increased safety, reduced sloshing, ease of pumping at zero gravity and ability to suspend high concentrations of high-energy ingredients. However, a gelled oxidizer has been desired for use with the gelled fuel to constitute a thixotropic gelled propellant system. The combination of a gelled fuel (MICOM GEL) and a gelled oxidizer is now a reality after the development of the thixotropic oxidizer gel disclosed above. Of major significance is the matching of the rheologial properties of the two gels so that an oxidizer/fuel (O/F) ratio shift does not occur with a temperature change.

Abstract: A gas generating composition, particularly useful for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, comprises an organic fuel, an oxidant, and iron oxide in an amount effective to provide a coolant function in the gas generating composition. At least a major portion of the iron oxide is substantially free of catalytic or paint grade material and has an average particle size in a narrow particle size distribution range greater than 100 microns.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture in the form of granulates, encompassing a nitrogen-generating substance, an inorganic oxidizing medium and a binder constituted of silicone rubber. Also disclosed is a process for the production of this pyrotechnic mixture, as well as a gas generator for an airbag which contains the pyrotechnic mixture as a propellent charge. The pyrotechnic mixture is in the form of granulates for a propellent charge which generates a non-toxic gas, encompassing the nitrogen-generating substance, especially an alkali metal azide or earth alkali metal azide, an inorganic oxidizing medium consisting of alkali metal nitrate and/or alkaline earth metal nitrate and silicone rubber.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition having improved resistance to precompression desensitization comprising an emulsion explosive matrix and a high level of a low strength microspheres. Preferably, the microspheres having a crush strength of between 100 and 400 psi, and are present in at least 4% by weight of the formulation. Accordingly, the present invention allows the use of a more standard (and usually less expensive) microspheres in the production of a precompression desensitization-resistant emulsion explosive. Further, the emulsion explosives of the present invention would permit emulsion explosives, in general, to be utilized in a wider range of applications.

Abstract: A substantially non-explosive mixed powder containing finely divided metallic particles suitable for being incorporated in a refractory mixture, intimately mixed together with inert refractory particles. The refractory particles are present in such particle sizes and quantities as ensure that the Minimum Explosible Concentration, as tested in a 20-L vessel with a chemical igniter, is greater than 100 gm/m.sup.3. The inert particles comprise at least 40% of the mixture, and preferably 50% to 80%. The invention also includes a premixed powder, of the metallic and refractory powder, especially as contained in a shipping container in drums or impermeable bags. Due to the presence of the refractory powder, the mixed powder can be shipped without the precautions usually needed for shipping finely divided metal powders.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive emulsion explosive capable of being used in packaged explosive products. The explosive contains ammonium nitrate prills of a bulk density of 0.70 to 1.00 g/cc, with a particle density of 1.25 to 1.40 g/cc. A polysuccinic anhydride based emulsifying agent is used as an emulsifying agent. Packaged explosives prepared according to the present invention have improved package stability, and allow for control of the ratio of shock energy to heave energy.

Abstract: A process for producing a substantially non-explosive powder containing finely divided metallic particles suitable for being incorporated in a refractory mixture, comprising simultaneously grinding a mixture of pieces of metal with pieces of an inert refractory material to produce a premixture containing finely divided metallic particles and finely divided refractory particles which are intimately mixed together. The refractory particles are present in such particle sizes and quantities as ensure that the Minimum Explosible Concentration, as tested in a 20-L vessel with a chemical igniter, is greater than 100 gm/m.sup.3. The inert particles comprise at least 40% of the mixture, and preferably 50% to 75%. The invention also includes a premixed powder, produced by this process, especially as contained in drums or impermeable bags.

Abstract: Particles of glass or silica type material are added to pellets of gas generating material as the gas generating material is being loaded into the combustion chamber of a gas generator or inflator. When the inflator is fired, the liquids and gases produced by the resulting rapid combustion process are cooled and condensed by the particles of glass or silica type material to a solid inside the combustion chamber near the exit ports or outlet holes thereof. This dramatically reduces the amount of combustible particle residue or particulates that leave the inflator.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a gas generating composition suitable for use in air bag systems. The gas generating composition is comprised of a solid metal azide as a fuel, an alkali nitrate as an oxidizer, and diatomaceous earth as an additive.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an azide of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and manganese dioxide for oxidizing the azide. The composition further includes a clay material containing at least 37% by weight of silicon dioxide and having a mixing ratio of at least 5.5% by weight. This composition can allow burning to be conducted at low temperature to ensure the generation of the desired gas. The strength of a pellet of the composition can be improved without generating a toxic gas or reducing the burning rate or reducing the working efficiency in producing the pellet.

Abstract: A gas generating grain has a water-based particulate booster coating thereon. The coating comprises an alkali metal azide, a water-soluble inorganic oxidizer in approximately a stoichiometric ratio of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide. The inorganic oxidizer is potassium perchlorate. A preferred metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to the grain from a water slurry and dried.

Abstract: A gas generating grain has a water-based particulate booster coating thereon. The coating comprises an alkali metal azide, a water-soluble inorganic oxidizer in approximately a stoichiometric proportion of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide, preferably selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to said grain from a water slurry and dried, and when dried has an average particle size of less than about 50 microns.

Abstract: A method and composition for enhancing the visual effect of a combustion explosion without substantially increasing the explosive force is the subject matter of this invention. A solid explosive compound is combined with a ground combustible particulate material that is characterized by a wide distribution of particle sizes. Preferably the surface area of the particles will vary by a factor of at least 500 percent and no more than 10 percent of the total number of particles will be represented by any one particle size.

Abstract: A wet mixture of a metal azide having a predetermined average particle size and a metal oxide is prepared. The wet mixture is ground to reduce at least the average particle size of the metal azide. Thereafter, the wet mixture is directed through a chamber containing grinding media. The grinding media is agitated as the mixture flows through the chamber to further reduce the average particle size of the metal azide to a desired particle size.

Abstract: An explosive and propellant composition is obtained by admixing finely divided particles of ascorbic acid and a nitrate-containing oxidation agent, such as potassium nitrate. Admixing can be carried out in the dry state, at room temperature. The composition upon ignition gives off no sulfurous fumes, and leaves little or no carbon residue; and causes no corrosion with contacted metal surfaces.

Abstract: A chemically sensitized dry explosive is provided, which can be used as a blasting agent, per se, or can be used in the production of a wide variety of explosive compositions. The compositions are typically manufactured from an unstable emulsion explosive and have a chemical sensitizer in either the continuous or discontinuous phase. The compositions are characterized in that they comprise 5 to 30% water in the discontinuous phase after crystallization of the composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a pyrotechnic composite and process for preparing the same, wherein the pyrotechnic composite comprises a mixture of an alkaline earth metal sulfate, particulate boron and at least one additional particulate metal which is capable of exothermically reacting with boron. The exothermic reaction between the components of the pyrotechnic composite releases a thermal radiation of at least about 300 W/cm.sup.2 -Steradian and a visible light energy of at least about 1.0.times.10.sup.4 LUX.

Abstract: Method for coating boron particles with a thin ceramic layer. The method provides for thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon gas in the presence of the boron particles. The coated particles are useful in fuels, giving improved combustion in solid propellant and ramjet fuels.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a multi-phase emulsion explosive from a liquid organic fuel medium and an immiscible liquid oxidizer comprises a mixing chamber, flow constrictor means for introducing the liquid oxidizer as an emergent turbulent jet to said chamber and causing formation of droplets of said oxidizer in situ within the chamber, means for introducing the fuel medium to said chamber so that the fuel introduced thereby contacts and stabilizes the droplets of oxidizer solution as they are formed to maintain same as discrete droplets of oxidizer liquid and thereby provide an emulsion suitable for use as the basis for an explosive system.

Abstract: A method of making a ferric oxide burning rate catalyst that results in a highly active, finely divided burning rate enhancing catalyst. An iron-containing compound that is capable of vaporization at a temperature below about 500.degree. C. is vaporized. A mixture comprising the vaporized iron-containing compound is combusted with a gas that is capable of supporting combustion in an oxygen environment and does not condense below about 100.degree. C. The ferric oxide burning rate catalyst made by this process is particulary adapted for use in a composite solid rocket propellant. This process provides an ultra pure, highly active, finely divided burning rate catalyst.

Abstract: A highly active, finely divided ferric oxide burning rate catalyst and method for making the same. The catalyst is made by vaporizing an iron-containing compound that is capable of vaporization at a temperature below about 500.degree. C., and is capable of forming ferric oxide when reacted with an oxygen-containing atmosphere at temperatures below about 500.degree. C. The iron-containing compound is then oxidized in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The ferric oxide burning rate catalyst made by this process is particularly adapted for use in a composite solid rocket propellant. This process provides an ultra pure, highly active, finely divided burning rate catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrocellulose single-base propellent powders which exhibit good resistance to aging and to moisture. The powders according to the invention characteristically contain zinc carbonate whose particle size distribution is between 2 and 50 micrometers as an additive. The zinc carbonate is incorporated in the powder during the blending. The powders according to the invention find their preferred applications as propellent powders for ammunition intended for warships or for aircraft or as powders intended for gas generators for pyrotechnic devices.

Abstract: A method for the pre-emulsification of fuel oil or other carbonaceous compound and water in the presence of one or more emulsifying compositions or emulsifier constituents, prior to the addition to and emulsification of an aqueous solution of the ammonium nitrate or other oxidizer salt. In contrast to compositions prepared by emulsifying all constituents simultaneously, the pre-emulsion of the fuel oil and water with fatty acid and salts and/or amines consistently enables preparation of emulsion-type explosive compositions having uniform, fine particle size. The emulsions thus produced detonate readily and are stable to cold (to -20.degree. C.), to heat (to 90.degree. C.) and to water (24 hour immersion).

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant resistant comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 30 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 40 to 60% by weight of sodium nitrate or potassium perchlorate, 5 to 15% by weight of boron, and 1 to 15% by weight of sodium silicate. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite fibers as a roughening agent.

Abstract: Composite solid propellants are provided containing, in an amount effective to reduce the burning rate of the propellant, at least one bitetrazole compound.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive having a high resistance against dead pressing is obtained by adding a cushioning medium having a high impact energy-absorbing property to a water-in-oil emulsion explosive containing a continuous phase consisting of a carbonaceous fuel, a disperse phase consisting of an aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer salt and an emulsifier.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a smoke-producing pyrotechnical composition which is designed for the production of a smoke screen that prohibits the transmission of infrared radiance from a target to a pick-up.It includes a compound which generates, through thermal decomposing, carbon particles of which the size is included between about 1 and 14 .mu.m, and an oxidoreducing system which reacts at a temperature that exceeds 1000 degrees C. and a binding agent. The compound which generates carbon particles can be hexachloroethane, hexachlorobenzene, naphtalene, anthracene, or their mixture; the reducing agent can be a metal powder (magnesium) and the oxidizer hexachlorobenzene and/or hexachloroethane.An application to the execution of smoke-producing devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a castable pyrotechnic composition used to produce opaque smoke for impeding the transmission of infrared radiation from a target to a sensor, of the type including a compound generating carbon particles whose dimensions are between 1 and 14 .mu.m.The composition includes a condensed halogenated carbon compound with a melting point between 75.degree. C. and 120.degree. C., with a halogenation ratio greater than 3, such as chloronaphthalene, a fluoro carbon compound such as vinylidene polyfluoride, and a metal powder such as magnesium, reacting together at a temperature of the order of 1500.degree. C.Application is in camouflaging targets emitting infrared radiation.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain is made of a gas generating material which includes 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, 1-2% by weight of fumed silica, and from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.

Abstract: A solid or semisolid propellant comprising grains of propellant or propellant components bonded together so as to create voids within the propellant volume, said grains bonded together with sufficient strength to substantially delay the fluidization of the propellant by the onset of Taylor unstable burning, said propellant having a rapid burn rate below that associated with Taylor unstable burn. In another embodiment, the grains are held within and the voids are filled with viscous fluid binder such as a petroleum oil, said binder functioning to hinder Taylor unsatable burning and yet permit very rapid burning within the propellant volume.

Abstract: A conducting composition suitable for use in a firing cap is disclosed. The conducting composition comprises normal lead styphnate which has a mean particle size not less than 55 microns, in admixture with carbon black which has a mean aggregate size between 5 microns and about 15 microns. The conducting composition has less sensitivity than known conducting compositions and therefore when used in a conducting cap renders the cap less likely to unintential ignition by induced e.m.f. such as from radio transmitters or the like.

Abstract: A gas bubble sensitized water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-releasing salt, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase, a discontinuous gaseous phase, a water-in-oil emulsifying agent and at least one agent capable of facilitating the production of gas bubbles in the presence of said water-immiscible organic phase.

Abstract: An explosive composition of the water-in-oil emulsion type includes at least one emulsified gel formed of an oxidizing solution of an inorganic salt dissolved in water and a fuel phase containing a liquid hydrocarbon and an emulsifier in combination with an inert or reactive lighting constituent and, if appropriate, one or more oxidizing salts or metal fuels. Pursuant to the invention the composition additionally contains from 4% to 55% of inert or semi-inert solids. The explosive composition provides enhanced safety characteristics through detonation velocity reduction and is thus well suited for dangerous atmospheres such as those encountered in coal mines. Additionally, the explosive composition exhibits a nonsticky plastic to semiplastic texture which facilitates cartridging on conventional machinery, all while retaining normal detonation characteristics.

Abstract: Explosives that are sensitized blends of a water-in-oil emulsion and inorganic nitrate, e.g., AN, particles, such as AN or ANFO prills, have improved stability when their structure hinders the loss of water from the aqueous emulsion phase and transportation of such water across the oil phase to the nitrate particles. Use of an anionic emulsifying agent comprising a fatty acid salt, e.g., as formed in situ during the formation of the emulsion, is the preferred way of forming such a blend-stabilizing structure. Emulsion/nitrate blends stabilized in this manner make satisfactory storage-stable packaged products. Emulsion/nitrate blends made with a new low-viscosity emulsion containing essentially all of the oil required to oxygen-balance the blend and a proportionately larger amount of anionic emulsifying agent to stabilize the emulsion structure constitute preferred bulk products owing to their greater adaptability to pumping.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing hollow microspheres obtained by firing volcanic ash and having a bulk density of 0.05-0.1 and an average particle size of 10-100 .mu.m has improved explosion performance and safety over water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing conventional hollow microspheres.

Abstract: An explosive composition containing micro-voids consisting of thermoplastic resin hollow microspheres coated with a thermosetting resin has a remarkably excellent low temperature detonability in a small diameter cartridge after lapse of a long period of time.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent having a particle size of 177-3,000 .mu.m is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust and for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing specifically limited hollow microspheres consisting of neutral or weakly acidic hollow microspheres coated with a coating material has a high consistency without deteriorating its storage stability in initiation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge, and can be safely and easily handled.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and a stabilizer which comprises a polycyclic hydrocarbon. Suitable stabilizers include sterols, such as cholesterol. The compositions, which may also include a conventional emulsifier, exhibit small diameter cap-sensitivity and improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: A cast explosive charge composition comprises trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a fusible component, at least one further energy carrier as solid filler, and a finely pulverized inert solid substance which is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% by weight, said inert solid substance having a specific surface of 10 to 1200 m.sup.2 per gram.