Metal binders for thermobaric weapons

Abstract

A munition includes a penetrator casing; and a payload, the payload composed of an explosive material dispersed in a metallic binder material. Related methods are also described. A method is also provided that includes forming an energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.

1 . A munition comprising:
 a penetrator casing having a first density; and   a payload, the payload comprising a explosive material dispersed in a metallic binder material having a second density;   wherein the second density is at least as great as the first density.   
     
     
         2 . The warhead of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic binder has a density of at least 6.5 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         3 . The warhead of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic binder has a density of about 6.5 to 14.0 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         4 . The warhead of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic binder material comprises one or more of bismuth, lead, tin, indium, or alloys thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The munition of  claim 1 , wherein the explosive material is flaked, powdered, or crystallized. 
     
     
         6 . The munition of  claim 1 , wherein the payload additionally comprises one or more of: an organic material, and inorganic material, a metastable intermolecular composite, or a metal hydride. 
     
     
         7 . The munition of  claim 1 , wherein the payload is reinforced with one or more reinforcements comprising organic or inorganic materials in the form of: chopped fibers, whiskers, a structural preform, a woven fibrous material, a nonwoven fibrous material, or a dispersed particulate. 
     
     
         8 . The munition of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the explosive materials, the metallic binder material, and the one or more reinforcements are surface treated to promote wetting. 
     
     
         9 . The munition of  claim 1 , wherein the munition comprises a warhead, and the penetrator casing is at least partially filled with the payload. 
     
     
         10 . A method comprising:
 forming an explosive material;   combining the explosive energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and   introducing the mixture into the interior of a penetrator casing.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metallic binder has a density of at least about 6.5 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metallic binder has a density of about 6.5 g/cm 3 to about 14.0 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metallic binder material comprises of one more of bismuth, lead, tin, indium, and alloys thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising adding one or more of the following to the mixture: an organic material, and inorganic material, a metastable intermolecular composite, or a hydride. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising adding one or more reinforcements of organic or inorganic materials in the form of: chopped fibers, whiskers, a structural preform, a woven fibrous material, a nonwoven fibrous material, or a dispersed particulate. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising treating the surface of at least one of the explosive materials, the metallic binder material, and the one or more reinforcements in order to promote wetting. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising shaping the mixture prior to introducing it into the penetrator casing.