L-315 Structural Reactive Materials and their impact on IM and Hazard Classification of Munitions

Structural reactive materials may enhance weapon effects by replacing inert components, for example warhead casings, with an energetic material which contributes to the energy output. To evaluate the impact of this technology on the insensitivity characteristics of a warhead, a literature research on manufacturing methods, initiation mechanisms, applications, and various compositions (including sensitivity data) has been conducted. To assess the impact on IM response and hazard classification, general thermal and mechanical reaction models have been developed and applied, showing that comprehensive mitigation will not negatively impact safety. Accordingly, a lack of mitigation will lead to more adverse IM results, as well as affect the hazard classification, which will impact general safety as well as storage practices for such munitions. In addition, the lack of published ageing data raises questions of safety degradation mechanisms during the munitions lifecycle and, accordingly, the safely achievable safe shelf life.