Mitigation devices for insensitive munitions - Literature study

Authors:

  • Rasmus Wedberg

Publish date: 2019-01-21

Report number: FOI-R--4706--SE

Pages: 28

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • IM
  • initiation
  • insensitive munitions
  • thermal protection
  • venting
  • warheads

Abstract

IM, insensitive munitions, refers to munitions, their packaging and management protocols, altogether designed to fulfil specific requirements related to the sensitivity to unintentional initiation, and the magnitude of the response at such an event. Mitigation devices refers to techniques for designing or modifying munitions and packaging, in order to reduce the sensitivity and response, without necessarily replacing the energetic materials with ones of low sensitivity. This report reviews literature on mitigation devices, with particular focus on those that concern the warhead component of the munition. The techniques are here divided into those that protect against mechanical threats, such as projectiles and shock waves, and those that protect against thermal threats, such as fire. Protection against mechanical threats comprises various types of liners that mitigates the shock before it is transmitted to the high explosive. Protection against thermal threats comprises so called thermal protection and venting techniques. Thermal protection includes isolative or ablative coating or liners, and flame retardants, which reduce the thermal conductivity of the casing. Venting techniques reduces the violence of reaction by preventing a catastrophic pressure build-up. These techniques may be passive and function by the use of components that melt or deform at elevated temperatures, or by having a venting hole created by the increased internal pressure in the main charge volume. There are also active venting techniques that work by means of small charges of energetic material. Mitigation devices for insensitive munitions is an active field of research, also with regards to the development of methodology for testing and modelling. FOI also conducts research within this field.