Disclosed are a nanoenergetic material composite-based solid propellant, a method of preparing the same, and a projectile using the same. The propellant includes: potassium nitrate-sucrose (KNSU) composite powder; and nanoenergetic material (nEM) composite powder in a solid powder form mixed with the KNSU composite powder to prepare a KNSU/nEM propellant. The method includes: preparing KNSU composite powder; preparing nEM composite powder; and preparing a KNSU/nEM propellant by mixing the KNSU composite powder and the nEM composite powder in a solid powder form. The projectile includes: a clay block; a clay nozzle responsible for releasing the pressure generated by explosion of a propellant; and a propellant lamination area disposed between the clay block and the clay nozzle. Upon ignition of the KNSU/nEM propellant, the nEM composite powder increases the combustion rate and combustion temperature of a potassium nitrate-sucrose (KNSU) propellant.

The present invention relates to a nano-energetic material (nEM) composite having ignition and explosion characteristics by a low-power laser pointer beam and capable of being remotely and optically ignited by adding black powder to nEM composite powder, and a method of preparing the same. The nEM composite includes: nEM composite powder; and black powder used as a mediator for initial ignition to initiate ignition in response to a laser pointer beam and cause a nEM to be continuously ignited and consecutively explode by ignition heat.

The present invention relates to a nano-energetic material (nEM) composite having ignition and explosion characteristics by a low-power laser pointer beam and capable of being remotely and optically ignited by adding black powder to nEM composite powder, and a method of preparing the same. The nEM composite includes: nEM composite powder; and black powder used as a mediator for initial ignition to initiate ignition in response to a laser pointer beam and cause a nEM to be continuously ignited and consecutively explode by ignition heat.

A non-destructive examination (NDE) system for use on a structural element comprises nano-energetic actuators configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element. The NDE system further comprises sensors configured for measuring the vibrations induced in the surface of the structural element and generating vibration data. An applique comprises a planar substrate, nano-energetic actuators affixed to the planar substrate, each configured for creating controlled combustions in response to thermal energy, and an adhesive affixed to the planar substrate, such that the applique can be adhered to a structural element. A means of transportation having an accumulation of ice comprises a structural element, and nano-energetic actuators, each configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element great enough to generate cracks in the ice.

A non-destructive examination (NDE) system for use on a structural element comprises nano-energetic actuators configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element. The NDE system further comprises sensors configured for measuring the vibrations induced in the surface of the structural element and generating vibration data. An applique comprises a planar substrate, nano-energetic actuators affixed to the planar substrate, each configured for creating controlled combustions in response to thermal energy, and an adhesive affixed to the planar substrate, such that the applique can be adhered to a structural element. A means of transportation having an accumulation of ice comprises a structural element, and nano-energetic actuators, each configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element great enough to generate cracks in the ice.

A high strength engineered reactive matrix composite that includes a core material and a reactive binder matrix combined in high volumes and with controlled spacing and distribution to produce both high strength and controlled reactivity. The engineered reactive matrix composite includes a repeating metal, ceramic, or composite particle core material and a reactive binder/matrix, and wherein the reactive/matrix binder is distributed relatively homogeneously around the core particles, and wherein the reactivity of the reactive binder/matrix is engineered by controlling the relative chemistry and interfacial surface area of the reactive components. These reactive materials are useful for oil and gas completions and well stimulation processes, enhanced oil and gas recovery operations, as well as in defensive and mining applications requiring high energy density and good mechanical properties.

A high strength engineered reactive matrix composite that includes a core material and a reactive binder matrix combined in high volumes and with controlled spacing and distribution to produce both high strength and controlled reactivity. The engineered reactive matrix composite includes a repeating metal, ceramic, or composite particle core material and a reactive binder/matrix, and wherein the reactive/matrix binder is distributed relatively homogeneously around the core particles, and wherein the reactivity of the reactive binder/matrix is engineered by controlling the relative chemistry and interfacial surface area of the reactive components. These reactive materials are useful for oil and gas completions and well stimulation processes, enhanced oil and gas recovery operations, as well as in defensive and mining applications requiring high energy density and good mechanical properties.

Provided are systems and methods for propulsion and powering systems using recyclable metallic fuels. The method includes capturing fuel products, including a metal oxide and unburnt fuel from combustion of a metallic fuel, storing the unburnt metallic fuel and the fuel products to generate power and/or thrust, and recycling the metal oxide to recreate the metallic fuel and/or byproducts. A system for propulsion and power generation using a metallic fuel includes a combustion chamber for combusting the metallic fuel to provide propulsion, a reaction chamber for generating electricity and thermal power using heat from unburnt metallic fuel and fuel products, a storage system for capturing the unburnt metallic fuel and the fuel products and at least one recycling system for directing the captured unburnt metallic fuel and/or the fuel products to the combustion chamber and/or the reaction chamber.

Provided are systems and methods for propulsion and powering systems using recyclable metallic fuels. The method includes capturing fuel products, including a metal oxide and unburnt fuel from combustion of a metallic fuel, storing the unburnt metallic fuel and the fuel products to generate power and/or thrust, and recycling the metal oxide to recreate the metallic fuel and/or byproducts. A system for propulsion and power generation using a metallic fuel includes a combustion chamber for combusting the metallic fuel to provide propulsion, a reaction chamber for generating electricity and thermal power using heat from unburnt metallic fuel and fuel products, a storage system for capturing the unburnt metallic fuel and the fuel products and at least one recycling system for directing the captured unburnt metallic fuel and/or the fuel products to the combustion chamber and/or the reaction chamber.

Thermite mixtures shaped or cast into a desired solid form and having sufficient structural integrity to withstand rough handling and challenging operating conditions, and methods of making such solid forms, are provided. When reacted, the thermite mixtures advantageously produce little or no offgas. The solid thermite forms may further include other materials that confer advantageous physical or chemical properties before, during, or after reaction of the thermite mixture.