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Improved control of initiation and detonation from enhanced substrates with minimal post-processing and fabrication compared to traditional explosive processes

In high explosives, the density and porosity of energetic materials contributes to initiation and detonation characteristics. Traditional explosive processing methods like melt casting or powder pressing are known for their less than optimal control of initiation and detonation characteristics due to variations in these key areas. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed substrates enabling improved control of explosive film density and porosity – and therefore initiation and detonation characteristics – with minimal post-processing or material fabrication. Enhanced detonation velocity, yield, and control over sensitivity is valuable for the application of explosives in defense, mining, and research fields.