CAREER: Understanding Nanoscale Properties of Energetic Materials

Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX

Investigators

Abstract

Proposal Number: CBET-0644832 Principal Investigator: Weeks, Brandon L Affiliation: Texas Tech University Proposal Title: CAREER: Understanding Nanoscale Properties of Energetic Materials This award focuses on the science required to design energetic materials whose performance critically depends upon nanoscale structures. The awardee argues that while use of energetic materials is widespread through the resource and manufacturing industries, there have been few new materials developed in the last 100 years. The stated goals of this research are to determine properties of energetic materials experimentally at the nanometer scale, to link these findings with bulk properties, and to use these findings to develop rational design tools for new energetic materials. Key techniques will be nanoscale lithography and property measurement with a heated atomic-force-microscopy tip and with small-angle X-ray scattering, used to study changes due to physical or thermal loads in a nanoscale domain. Collaboration with Sandia Albuquerque is another aspect aiding the potential impact of the work. Broad Impacts: Technological impact will be significant if the fundamental advances are found successfully by this research, as energetic materials are so widely used. In addition, a key part of the CAREER award is to create substantial societal impact through its education plan. This awardee's CAREER educational plan has four thrusts: participation in an undergraduate-mentoring program, work with a local 7th-grade teacher to introduce a math/science "application activity," to develop courses and a minor in energetic materials, and to participate in continuing-education activities.