TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Low Volume Fraction, Blast Enhancing Structural Scaffolds for High Explosive Charges

Opportunity : Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its novel Low Volume Fraction, Blast Enhancing Structural Scaffolds for High Explosive Charges. Background : High Explosives (HE) can become mechanically unstable in field uses that create extreme vibration or turbulence. This can result in unpredictable performance. Solutions to this challenging problem have been to use traditional structural reinforcement, i.e. inclusion of reinforcing materials that can also act as a passive fuel source. However, there are disadvantages with these approaches including negative impacts on ignition, weight, and storage time. A novel reinforcement approach developed in LLNL can overcome many of these challenges as well as play an active role in output. Description : LLNL researchers uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) to create reinforcing scaffolds that can be integrated with High Explosives (HE) or solid rocket fuel with minimal volume fraction. Its main benefit is to create stability in harsh field conditions. Its secondary benefit is providing another method to finely tune blast performance or fuel burn. Creating complex shapes with structural reinforcing lattice materials that could also play a role in blast enhancement of the HE charges is enabled with AM. Advantages/Benefits : LLNL’s method of producing blast enhancing structural scaffolds has numerous advantages over traditional energetic and solid rocket fuels, such as: Provides predictable performance of energetic materials exposed to harsh environments. Enhances performance of energetic material by integrating rigid scaffolds that also can also contribute to the performance. Enables more complex HE formulations tailored performance. Increases performance certainty of solid rocket fuels. Potential Applications : Rocket launches using solid rocket fuel Missile fuels Development Status: LNL has filed for patent protection on this technology. Current stage of technology development: TRL 4 LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT . Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Low Volume Fraction, Blast Enhancing Structural Scaffolds for High Explosive Charges should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Low Volume Fraction, Blast Enhancing Structural Scaffolds for High Explosive Charges. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13761