Abstract Scope |
Conventional casing and warhead materials for small-to-large caliber ammunition are primarily made of steel or other metal alloys. These materials are inert and are generally manufactured using traditional manufacturing technologies (powder metallurgy, extrusion, casting, etc.). Reactive materials are a totally different class of materials typically comprised of combustible metals as constituents. These materials require advanced manufacturing technologies to assure not only safe handling, but also preservation of the stored chemical energy which lead to their enhanced performance. We will discuss three (3) advanced manufacturing strategies being evaluated for realization of fully dense HDRM, namely: Instrumented – Hot Isostatic Pressing (i-HIP), Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST), and Cold Spray. We will discuss the technical challenges associated with sintering/consolidation of these materials, and highlight the pros and cons or each of these discreet manufacturing technologies in addressing those challenges. |