Meso-structural influences on energetic materia response to thermal mechanical loading

The engineering design of high energy density material [HEDM] is often application specific. In order to analyze the functional relationship between design and application we have adopted the position that the design is defined by the suite of specifications and processes used to fabricate the component. [1] An analysis of this statement leads us to the conclusion that depending on the proposed function there exist a myriad of physical realization of the configuration at the subcomponent level in the design where there exist significant gaps in the specifications. This leads us to an investigation the family of physical configurations allowed by the design specification and our physically based understanding of the functional requirements. A required functional capabilities list contains a balance between performance, safety, and cost. The last several decades have seen an increased emphasis on the safety requirements addressed under the heading of Insensitive High Explosive [IHE] and Insensitive Munitions [IM]. Performance requirements have at the same time become more complicated for the energetic material designs based on the emergence of precision objectives associated with modern applications. Emerging classes of materials, called 'multi-functional' explosives, significantly complicate the relationship between design and function. [2].