MSIAC Interns & Trainees

A large scale literature review revealed that structural reactive materials publications are strongly focused on performance enhancement and very few data on shock sensitivity is available. The published sensitivity data provide some insight but has been obtained by small scale laboratory tests and therefore results are not comparable with standardized energetic material test values. For this purpose a modification of the gap test setup is required to provide more detailed evidence for thermal combustion, explosion or detonation reactions.

The student will:

• Conduct a literature research on shock sensitivity testing and diagnosis methods
• Prepare high strength structural material specimen (e.g. Al/Ni) and modified gap test setups
• Plan and execute explosive tests, obtain experimental data and critically analyse the results
• Summarize findings in a comprehensive report

Small Scale ESD testing is known to produce variable results from machine to machine or in some cases lab to lab. Many institutions still use non-standardised machines built 20 to 40 years ago. Recent machines such as OZM X-Spark 10 provide an opportunity for a more scientific understanding of ESD testing compared with machines of the past.

Furthermore, ESD test results are often used as a direct measure on the hazard a material presents to users in a lab or production environment. Test results are routinely used to set the requirements for anti-static or fully conducting conditions when handling the material.

This project will look to review the ESD testing machines in the community, how the operate, the test procedures and environmental requirements (if any) and identify potential external influences on the test results.

Working with the Royal Military Academy, the student can investigate different test or environmental parameters and the potential influence on test results.

Previous projects evaluated the possibility of gap test simulation with LS-Dyna and showcased the weaknesses of finite element simulation in small scale shock events. To improve the validity of such simulations a combined LS-Dyna and instrumented testing project is proposed.

The student will

• Conduct a literature research on gap test and shock event simulation
• Refine LS-Dyna simulation setups on small scale gap testing
• Conduct instrumented small scale gap tests to obtain verification data
• Summarize findings in a report and propose following work elements for further improvements

Previous simulation experience recommended.

The development of insensitive munitions is costly due to the IM criteria stated in STANAG 4439 / AOP-39. In order for the munition to pass the IM tests, it has to feature insensitive energetic materials, or IM technology in its design, or mitigation devices around it in the storage configuration, or any combination of the three. The decision to incur such extra cost for the development of a new IM can only be taken if the expected benefits outweigh the development cost. This is the purpose of a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA). 

The MSIAC software CBAM (Cost Benefit Analysis Model) is a cost benefit tool developed by MSIAC in the early 2000s for the demonstration of the benefits of having IM.  It is very detailed and has not been maintained since 2008.   

At the IMEMG IM Day in Graz, Austria, it was proposed by IMEMG to share the tool that was developed in the frame of the IMEMG Cost & Benefit Analysis working group with the aim of evaluating the IMEMG tool in relation to MSIAC CBAM.  

The student will:

• Review case studies developed in CBAM and possibly develop new studies
• Develop equivalent studies in the IMEMG CBA tool, noting any additional details or differences in cost structures
• Note any differences in the output from the two CBA models.
• Detail the findings in a comprehensive report.

MSIAC is hosting an Analytical Response Model (ARM) online-tool to assess the effects of shock loads by impact on explosive Charges to evaluate the Munitions insensitivity characteristics. This is done based on an analytical approach. To enhance the results level of confidence, the possibility of a verification database has to be assessed.  

The student will have to: 

• Gain data of Impact Tests and design/layout of the charges by 

• • Online Research 
  • MSIAC Online Database (AIMS) 
  • Direct contact with Manufacturers and Officials 

• Summarize results in a comprehensive database 
• Evaluate possibilities to include the verification data in the ARM Graphic User Interface 
• Sum up the findings in a comprehensive report.

There has been much discussion at MSIAC on the use of surrogate materials in the development of energetic materials processing and in the qualification munitions.  When collating information, it was noted that the last compilation of surrogate materials was by Dobratz in 1985. Since then, Los Alamos National Laboratory has located a number of organic compounds that match almost all of the parent energetic HE properties.  Having a better match across more properties for a surrogate material increases its overall use in qualification tests where the response of the energetic material is not at question. This could create opportunities for data sharing and expertise as the effects on the surrogate material may not be classified or restricted.  

The student will have to:  

• Review historical materials and collate information 
• Review new organic compounds and methodology of how they were identified to be the inert replacement for energetic compounds and collate information.  
• Review formulations using these compounds and note any issues. 
• Suggest common areas and formulations for collaboration or information exchange for the qualification of processing methods and/or the qualification of munitions.  
• Detail the findings in a comprehensive report.

As a result of the Defects Workshop, questions surrounding emerging applications of ultrasonics and thermography / thermal conductivity tests have been posed.  After a voluntary survey of the community, the way to best answer these questions is to generate an MSIAC study to inform the community of their potential.  The topics for study are:

1. What material conditions would make a thermal conductivity test feasible?
   This discussion would include extent of change in thermal conductivity and thickness of material, along with configuration with respect to a liner or outer case.
2. What would be a good example for testing this method?
3. What material conditions would make an ultrasonic test feasible?
   This discussion would consider both the case of the material microstructure and the continuity with a liner and outer case.
4. Would such a test be a candidate for screening artillery shells for base gaps?

The student will:

• Review literature and collate information,
• Identify if and where these techniques are already used during munition life cycles,
• Assess the capabilities of the techniques against the requirements of these particular tests on munition items, and
• Identify barriers, technical or cost, to the introduction of emerging technologies.
• Detail the findings in a comprehensive report.

Black Powder is used in many ignition systems.  However, there is a perceived lack of knowledge, or at least the lack of a ready reference, about this important energetic material.  Safety concerns include the effect of composition, even the type of charcoal, on the ignitability and sensitivity of the material.

The student will:

• Review literature and collate information,
• Consult with BP experts in MSIAC nations to determine what is known and additional reports or knowledge, and
• Identify knowledge gaps.
• Detail the findings in a comprehensive report.