EXPLOITING THE MATERIALS, METHODS, AND SPEED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECTILES, PYROTECHNICS, AND EXPLOSIVES

Additive manufacturing has been explored and employed in EMPI's energetic materials research for many years. 3D Printed parts have shown benefit as unique tooling and fixtures where machined parts were not an option; select porosity and density modifications for modeling and simulation validation; and complex parts metal parts for fragmentation and projectiles. Analogous to other product industries, additive manufacturing has been employed for prototype development as well as LRIP for systems sold and delivered to customers. Concepts and requirements will be discussed for future additive manufacturing technologies to improve capabilities in the defense industry.

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DR. JOHN GRANIER received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2005. He has more than 10 years of experience in research and development of reactive materials and explosives. His PhD studies focused on reaction mechanisms of nano-energetics specializing in energetics fabrication, high-speed imaging, high-speed data acquisition, laser heating, and thermal modeling. As a senior scientist at the Center for Electromechanics (CEM) at the University of Texas at Austin, he served in materials development and testing for glass and carbon fiber reinforced composites. He also contributed to the parametric analysis and design of high-power pulsed alternators for electro-magnetic launch systems. Since coming to EMPI in 2007, John has been the lead engineer for multiple programs developing explosive compositions, advanced warhead concepts, pyrotechnic devices, and ballistic technologies.