Binders for Energetics - Modelling and Synthesis in Harmony

The \textit{Binders by Design} UK programme develop new polymeric materials for energetic applications that can overcome problems related to chemico-physical properties, aging, additives, environmental and performance of energetic compositions. Combined multi-scale modelling and experiment is used for the development of a new modelling tool and with the aim to produce novel materials with great confidence and fast turnaround. New synthesised binders with attractive properties for energetic applications used to provide a high level of confidence in the results of developed models. Molecular dynamics simulations investigate the thermal behaviour and the results directly feed into a Group Interaction Model (GIM). A viscoelastic constitutive model has been developed examining stress development in energetic/binder configurations. GIM data has been used as the basis for developing hydrocode equations of state, which then applied in run-to-detonation type investigations to examine the effect of the shock properties of a binder on the reactivity of a typical Polymer Bonded Explosive in a high-velocity impact type scenario. The \textit{Binders by Design} UK programme is funded through the Weapons Science and Technology Centre by DSTL.