Modern munitions can get quite technical about precisely when they go
off, so I'd expect a requirement to detonate on command rather than impact.
The trickiest bit might well be unlighting the rocket when desired,
presumably so as to coast to the target with some propellant left.
Maybe separate the nozzle to reduce the chamber pressure, combined with
a propellant that reliably goes out absent considerable pressure?
Well, anyone who actually knows anything probably can't/shouldn't talk
about it here. But it seemed an interesting project to point out, in
the context of all the discussion of making solids that reliably *don't*
go bang.
Henry
On 8/6/2018 8:20 PM, Troy Prideaux wrote:
I have made AP composite propellant that will very reliably detonate if
configured into a nozzleless motor, so I can't imagine it'd be too hard to
detonate such propellant from impact energy.
Troy
-----Original Message-----
From: arocket-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:arocket-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Henry Vanderbilt
Sent: Tuesday, 7 August 2018 9:27 AM
To: arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AR] Dual-Mode Solid-Propellant/Warhead Explosive
Apropos all the discussion of mixing up novel solid propellants while carefully
avoiding crossing the line into sensitive high explosive, apparently now USAF
*wants* to straddle that line:
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/rocket-bomb-why-the-air-force-
wants-rocket-fuel-thats-also-22639
Gist of it is, to support smaller tactical missiles, they're looking for a solid
rocket propellant that can also be reliably detonated once a missile arrives at
the target. (And also reliably unlit in flight?) Presumably this propellant
formulation also needs to meet the usual mil requirements for stable long-
term storage, resistance to handling abuse, and wide temperature range.
Sounds like a fun challenge, actually.
Henry