3D Printable Enhanced Blast Warheads

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL) propose to design next generation warheads that utilize new PSI technologies to enhance lethality. These innovative technologies include rapid curing UV binders, coated metal fuels, and high-energy perovskites. The synergy of these technologies allow for several warhead enhancements, including seamless explosive formulation blending, ingredient gradation, improved energy density, and unique geometries. In Phase I, PSI and LLNL will design and model several warhead variations and evaluate these designs based on several lethality parameters including penetration depth, number/speed of frags, and blast effects. Additionally, PSI will conduct small-scale proof of technology experiments including 3D printing explosive formulations in various geometries and gradations. In the Phase II, modeling efforts by LLNL will be expanded to include warhead effectiveness on various target sets and offering optimization improvements to the original designs. PSI will continue its upscaling efforts by 3D printing several prototypes/subsystems and examining their ballistic parameters. Beyond Phase III, PSI will look to collaborate with a prime contractor and begin large scale testing for insertion into active Naval systems.