Tungsten bridge for the low energy ignition of explosive and energetic materials

Patent · Tue Dec 11 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:7266796

Benson, D A; Bickes, Jr, R W; Blewer, R S

A tungsten bridge device for the low energy ignition of explosive and energetic materials is disclosed. The device is fabricated on a silicon-on-sapphire substrate which has an insulating bridge element defined therein using standard integrated circuit fabrication techniques. Then, a thin layer of tungsten is selectively deposited on the silicon bridge layer using chemical vapor deposition techniques. Finally, conductive lands are deposited on each end of the tungsten bridge layer to form the device. It has been found that this device exhibits substantially shorter ignition times than standard metal bridges and foil igniting devices. In addition, substantially less energy is required to cause ignition of the tungsten bridge device of the present invention than is required for common metal bridges and foil devices used for the same purpose. 2 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4976200
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-292201
• OSTI ID: 7266796
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
422000* -- Engineering-- Mining & Underground Engineering-- (1980-)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450000 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
EXPLOSIVES
FABRICATION
IGNITION
IGNITION SYSTEMS
METALS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUNGSTEN