Micro-initiators as the fundamental building blocks of micro-energetic systems

Amish Desai; Brian Fuchs

doi:10.1117/12.722948

3 May 2007 Micro-initiators as the fundamental building blocks of micro-energetic systems

Amish Desai, Brian Fuchs

Proceedings Volume 6556, Micro (MEMS) and Nanotechnologies for Defense and Security; 65561A (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722948
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

The need for smaller and less expensive MIL-STD 1901A compliant safe and arm-fire (S&A/A-F) devices to safely initiate rocket motors requires a better understanding of energetic initiation and firing train functionality. Applications broadly include NLOS artillery rocket-assist motors, high I_sp miniature thrusters for UAVs, composite molded thrusters for hypersonic flow temperatures, and smart munitions. Every energetic system needs an initiation mechanism. For the past decade, many groups have worked on reducing the footprint of these systems through batch processing and miniaturization. However, the typical miniaturization and semiconductor-style benefits such as "faster, smaller, cheaper" are only now being investigated for micro-energetics. Advancement of this field requires key breakthroughs in the following areas: 1) a SAFE and batch micro-energetics deposition and patterning step, 2) The compatibility of subsequent (post or pre) MEMS processing steps, 3) better understanding of the micro-initiation energetic train, and 4) special environmental standards for the manufacturer and specialized product qualification/testing. This body of work spotlights 'low-cost' MEMS-based initiators, typical chemical compounds used today in the industry and the associated sensitivities and dangers to be encountered. The micro-scale firing trains required for smart munitions, including warhead and propellant applications, can be made multifunctional for use with legacy and IM-compliant energetics. Methods of focusing industry on reliability and the importance of characterizing formulation, composition, and performance will also be discussed. Most importantly, however, is the need to focus industry on implementing a low-cost micro initiator methodology.

Citation Download Citation

Amish Desai and Brian Fuchs "Micro-initiators as the fundamental building blocks of micro-energetic systems", Proc. SPIE 6556, Micro (MEMS) and Nanotechnologies for Defense and Security, 65561A (3 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722948

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