REVOLUTIONARY ENERGETICS MIXER FOR PROPELLANTS, EXPLOSIVES & PYROTECHNICS
Energetic Material Mixing, Coating, Milling, and Reaction with ResonantAcoustic® Technology
Our customers include:
Note: customer logos are registered trademarks for their respective organizations and do not constitute and endorsement.
Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) is the energetics industry's processing technology of choice — and has been for over a decade. Organizations across defense, aerospace, and commercial pyrotechnics in more than 40 countries rely on RAM to mix propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnic formulations with a level of safety, uniformity, and speed that no conventional mixer can match. Here's why RAM is the energetic mixer that's transforming the industry:
“Over the last decade, ResonantAcoustic ® Mixing technology has rapidly matured for use in the defense sector. Its ability to rapidly mix even highly viscous substances through the application of acoustic energy while avoiding the use of traditional blades has provided substantial leaps forward in both safety and efficiency.”
-Explosives Development Branch Picatinny Arsenal Dr. Eric Beckel, et al.
“...[RAM] allows us to obtain a better quality of the final mixtures in a reduced amount of time. Some exciting work is also being performed on propellant while using this vanguard technology, and very promising results obtained.”
- Roxel Group, a propulsion systems company
“Acoustic energy delivers efficient energy transfer...[and] reduces mixing time: hours to minutes, minutes to seconds. [We] mix in sealed vessels—waste reduction! No impellers, blades, or shafts. RAM vessels are easy to clean out and transfer materials.”
- Munitions Engineer at U.S. Dept. of Defense
500+ Independent Research Articles Prove RAM is Superior
Energetics Research Featuring ResonantAcoustic® Mixers
Resonant Acoustic Applications in the Energetics Industry
RAM is capable of far more than mixing alone. ResonantAcoustic® technology is the ideal energetic mixer for advanced material processing — including formulation, milling, coating, and co-crystallization. Here are the most common applications where RAM outperforms conventional methods:
Mixing Applications
Polymer bonded explosives (PBX)
Composite solid propellants (HTPB/AP/Al)
Primary and secondary explosives
Pyrotechnic formulations
Nanothermites
Milling Applications
Ammonium perchlorate (AP) particle reduction
Energetic crystal milling (RDX, HMX, CL-20)
Coating Applications
Dry powder coating of energetic crystals
HMX crystal coating
Boron surface activation
Nano-composite preparation
Chemistry Applications
Energetic crystal production (CL-20, HMX, RDX)
Insensitive high explosive (IHE) formulation
TATB-replacement IHE formulation (DFP)
3D-printable energetic ink preparation
Crystal spheroidization
Single-step solvent-free processing
RAM Compliance & Safety in the Energetics Industry
RAM energetic mixers are engineered to the highest safety standards required for hazardous material processing. Discuss your facility's compliance requirements with a sales engineer to confirm the right configuration for your application.
RAM CASE STUDIES IN ENERGETICS APPLICATIONS
How RAM Has Transformed Operations in Energetics Processing
VALIDATING RAM FOR ENERGETICS MIXING AND PROCESSING
Switching your energetics mixer is a significant decision. RAM is available for evaluation and validation through a low-risk, step-by-step process designed to build your confidence before you commit.
Demonstration
A sales engineer will arrange an online demonstration via conference call to show you a lab scale version or
RAM so you can see for yourself how it works. In some locations, we can offer in-person visits.
Free material testing
We can arrange a free mix, coating, milling, or reaction test with your material or a suitable surrogate. You
send us the material, we process it, document it, and send it back to you for validation. Material SDS required,
no hazardous materials accepted.
Rental program
We offer the LabRAM I for a monthly rental, with the first month’s rent applying to the cost of a purchase. Try
RAM out in your lab and run as many tests as you would like.
Quotation
Once you have had time to evaluate RAM through either a demonstration, mix test, or rental, we will provide a
quote that matches your application needs, however simple or complex they may be.
Performance Testing
After purchase, we can also perform validation and testing (FAT, SAT, etc) of your new machine per your
requirements, including compliance, performance, quality, and safety tests prior to or post installation.
Many of our customers discover that RAM mixing, milling, coating, and chemical reaction technology is so powerful, they apply for US and International patents to protect their process design and newfound competitive edge.
Effect of resonant acoustic powder mixing on delay time of W–KClO4–BaCrO4 mixtures
APL Materials
"By comparing the thermal conductivity of WKB mixtures mixed manually and using an acoustic powder mixer, we found that acoustic powder mixing resulted in minimal deviations in thermal conductivity, proving more uniform mixing."
Kwon, K., Ryu, S., Joo, S., Han, Y., Baek, D., Park, M., Kim, D., & Hong, S. (2024). Effect of resonant acoustic powder mixing on delay time of W–KClO4–BaCrO4 mixtures. APL Materials, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194888
Study on the control of flow field by resonance acoustic mixing technology for purification of high performance spherical HATO crystals
Separation and Purification Technology
"The spheroidization of HATO has been achieved in an environmentally friendly manner by resonance acoustic mixing assisted solvent erosion technology, effectively improving its thermal properties, mechanical sensitivity, and the mechanical properties of HATO explosive columns."
Liao, D., Cao, H., Li, S., Cheng, W., Yan, X., & An, C. (2024). Study on the control of flow field by resonance acoustic mixing technology for purification of high performance spherical HATO crystals. Separation and Purification Technology, 339, 126688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.126688
Novel Solid Propellants Enabled Through In Situ Martian Perchlorates
Journal of Propulsion and Power
"Three propellants made from Martian perchlorates were manufactured and compared to a control propellant with AP as the oxidizer... Mixing was carried out using a LabRAM I benchtop mixer..."
Hoganson, A. C. C., Afriat, A., Wernex, C. M., Ferguson, R. E., Rathore, H., Patel, D. N., Tappan, B., & Son, S. F. (2024). Novel solid propellants enabled through in situ martian perchlorates. Journal of Propulsion and Power, 40(3), 388–396. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.b39269
A review on the preparation and characterization methods of spherical explosive crystals
Journal of Materials Research and Technology
"Then, the RDX crystal particles with a sphericity greater than 90 % were prepared by resonance acoustic mixing assisted solvent erosion technology. Compared with the raw RDX, the thermal performance and safety performance of spherical RDX crystals were improved."
Liao, D., Li, M., Wang, J., Zhang, M., Qiu, M., & An, C. (2023). A review on the preparation and characterization methods of spherical explosive crystals. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 27, 3098–3118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.10.146
Microstructural investigation of PBX 9501: Comparing wet slurry and resonant acoustic mixing techniques
AIP Conference Proceedings
"These initial results suggest that differences in the microstructure do exist between PBX 9501 prepared via wet slurry and LabRAM mixing. Greater homogeneity in the binder prepared with LabRAM was confirmed by μCT and resulted in consistently higher densities when pressed under the same conditions."
Duque, A. L., Hill, L. G., Tisdale, J. T., Gielata, J. A., Mang, J. T., & Patterson, B. M. (2023). Microstructural investigation of PBX 9501: Comparing wet slurry and resonant acoustic mixing techniques. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2844, 300007. https://doi.org/10.1063/12.0020414
Mixing Characteristics and Parameter Effects on the Mixing Efficiency of High-Viscosity Solid–Liquid Mixtures under High-Intensity Acoustic Vibration
Processes
"High-intensity acoustic vibration is a new technology for solving the problem of uniform dispersion of highly viscous materials. In this study, we investigate the mixing characteristics of high-viscosity solid–liquid phases under high-intensity acoustic vibration and explore the effect of vibration parameters on the mixing efficiency."
Zhan, X., Yu, L., Jiang, Y., Jiang, Q., & Shi, T. (2023). Mixing Characteristics and Parameter Effects on the Mixing Efficiency of High-Viscosity Solid–Liquid Mixtures under High-Intensity Acoustic Vibration. Processes, 11(8), 2367. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11082367
Preparation of NCh-B and NCh-B-Ti nanocomposites and their ignition and combustion performances
Energetic Materials Frontiers
"To overcome the agglomeration and insufficient combustion of nano-boron (n-B) powders, this study successfully prepared two novel types of boron-based nanocomposites using the acoustic resonance technology, namely high-substitute nitrochitosan/nano-boron (NCh-B) with ratios of 1:3, 1:5, 1:7 and 1:9, and nitrochitosan/nano-boron powder/nano-titanium (NCh-B-Ti) with Ti contents of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 20 wt%."
Xiong, Y., Wang, Y., Wan, C., Zhang, W., Qin, Z., Chen, S., & Xu, K. (2023). Preparation of NCh-B and NCh-B-Ti nanocomposites and their ignition and combustion performances. Energetic Materials Frontiers, 4(4), 247–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmf.2023.11.001
Difurazanopyrazine (DFP): A promising candidate for insensitive high explosive (IHE) application
"DFP was formulated with a variety of binders via resonant acoustic mixing and spray drying and pressed into pellets up to 98 % theoretical maximum density (TMD)"
Parametric Effects on the Mixing Efficiency of Resonant Acoustic Mixing Technology for High-Viscosity Mixture: A Numerical Study
Processes
"Numerical investigations were conducted on the mixing efficiency of resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) technology using a high-viscosity mixture under vertically forced vibrations."
Khan, I. U., Guo, R., Farooq, U., Adhikari, S., & Zhou, H. (2023). Parametric effects on the mixing efficiency of resonant acoustic mixing technology for High-Viscosity Mixture: a numerical study. Processes, 11(1), 266. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11010266
Manufacturing superfine AP by milling in a lab-scale resonant acoustic mixer (LabRAM)
Journal of Energetic Materials
"Small AP particles (≤15 μm) are difficult to obtain from commercial vendors due to restrictions derived from increased explosion hazards for superfine AP (SFAP). An in-house SFAP manufacturing process was devised herein using resonant acoustic mixing (RAM)."
Rodriguez, F. A., Thomas, J. C., & Petersen, E. L. (2023b). Manufacturing superfine AP by milling in a lab-scale resonant acoustic mixer (LabRAM). Journal of Energetic Materials, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2023.2219686
Effect of Resonant Acoustic Powder Mixing on Delay Time of W-KClO4-BaCrO4 Mixtures
Cornell University
"This study investigates the impact of resonant acoustic powder mixing on the delay time of the W-KClO4-BaCrO4 (WKB) mixture and its potential implications for powder and material synthesis."
Kwon, K., Ryu, S., Joo, S., Han, Y., Baek, D., Park, M., Kim, D., & Hong, S. (2023). Effect of resonant acoustic powder mixing on delay time of W-KCLO4-BACRO4 mixtures. arXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2312.12798
A new ternary high-energy composite based on nano titanium powder with low sensitivity and stable combustion
Combustion and Flame
For solving the low combustion efficiency caused by aggregation and further promoting the application of nano titanium powder (n-Ti), a new ternary composite high-substitute nitrochitosan/nano titanium/graphene oxide (NCh/n-Ti/GO) was prepared by a resonant acoustic mixing method.
Wan, C., Guo, Z., Zhang, W., Chen, S., Qin, Z., & Xu, K. (2022). A new ternary high-energy composite based on nano titanium powder with low sensitivity and stable combustion. Combustion and Flame, 247, 112480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2022.112480
Mechanical Characterisation and Cohesive Law Calibration for a Nitrocellulose Based–Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine (HMX) Polymer Bonded Explosive
Experimental Mechanics
The binder and the HMX crystals were mixed in the presence of a solvent using Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) at a high temperature until the solvent evaporated.
Iqbal, M., Zhang, R., Ryan, P., Lewis, D., Connors, S., & Charalambides, M. N. (2022). Mechanical Characterisation and cohesive Law calibration for a Nitrocellulose Based–Cyclotetramethylene Tetranitramine (HMX) polymer bonded explosive. Experimental Mechanics, 63(1), 97–113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-022-00895-x
The impact of resonance acoustic mixing on the production of solid propellants and explosives
Energetics Science and Technology
The second part provides a method for the equivalence of impact force in resonance acoustic mixing (RAM) and impact sensitivity data, which can convert the height data of the impact sensitivity into the corresponding impact stimulus force.
Ma, N., Chen, S., Zhang, Z., Sun, X., Xie, Z., Pang, W., & Zhang, G. (2022). The impact of resonance acoustic mixing on the production of solid propellants and explosives. In IOP Publishing eBooks (pp. 5–20). https://doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-3943-8ch5
3D Printing Energetics for Gun Propulsion Technology
The minerals, metals & materials series
...provides a method for the equivalence of impact force in resonance acoustic mixing (RAM) and impact sensitivity data, which can convert the height data of the impact sensitivity into the corresponding impact stimulus force. In the third part, the impact forces obtained in RAM and impact forces obtained from an impact sensitivity testing course are compared to evaluate the safety of the process.
Bird, D., Caravaca, E., Laquidara, J., Peabody, N., Houthuysen, C., & Ravindra, N. M. (2022). 3D printing energetics for gun propulsion technology. In The minerals, metals & materials series (pp. 211–221). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-92381-5_19
Continuous flow resonance acoustic mixing technology: a novel and efficient strategy for preparation of nano energetic materials
FirePhysChem
In this report, a novel strategy to enhance the mixing performance of fluid is developed by combining continuous flow microfluidic and resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) technologies. The results of the fluid visualization and 3D-Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation showed that the new continuous flow resonance acoustic mixing (CFRAM) technology has better mixing efficiency than the traditional microfluidic approach.
Zhang, S., Zhan, L., Zhang, Y., Hou, J., & Li, B. (2022). Continuous flow resonance acoustic mixing technology: a novel and efficient strategy for preparation of nano energetic materials. FirePhysChem, 3(1), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fpc.2022.08.001
The surface activation of boron to improve ignition and combustion characteristic
Defence Technology
B coated with nano-Al or GF were prepared by acoustic resonance and solvent evaporation methods.
Wang, J., Wang, J., Mao, Y., Peng, R., & Nie, F. (2021). The surface activation of boron to improve ignition and combustion characteristic. Defence Technology, 18(9), 1679–1687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2021.09.012
Styrene-Ethylene/Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) Block Copolymer Binder for Solid Propellants
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
This paper reports on the production of two composite propellants made from a commercially-available-off-the-self polymer as binder by means of a resonant acoustic mixer (RAM) slurry process.
Wilkinson, P. J., Weaver, M. C., Kister, G., & Gill, P. P. (2021). Styrene‐Ethylene/Butylene‐Styrene (SEBS) block copolymer binder for solid propellants. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 47(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.202100142
Evolution of HTPB/RDX/Al/DOA mixed explosives with 90% solid loading in resonance acoustic mixing process
Journal of Energetic Materials
Resonance acoustic mixing (RAM) technology is an attractive and safe mixing method for material mass and energy exchange... The density test of the cured sample further proved that the PBX was very uniform.
Cheng, W., Mu, J., Li, K., Xie, Z., Zhang, P., An, C., Ye, B., & Wang, J. (2021). Evolution of HTPB/RDX/Al/DOA mixed explosives with 90% solid loading in resonance acoustic mixing process. Journal of Energetic Materials, 41(4), 595–614. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2021.2013992
Rational design of gradient structured fluorocarbon/Al composites towards tunable combustion performance
Combustion and Flame
PTFE/Al ink is prepared by acoustic resonance mixing to control rheological properties (viscosity and modulus) for 3D printing technology
Mao, Y., He, Q., Wang, J., Li, Z., Yang, Z., Nie, F., & Wang, D. (2021). Rational design of gradient structured fluorocarbon/Al composites towards tunable combustion performance. Combustion and Flame, 230, 111436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2021.111436
Rocket Propellant Comparison: Conventional Planetary Mixing and Resonant Acoustic Mixing
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
A standard HTPB/AP/Al composite rocket propellant formulation was prepared with a conventional vertical planetary action mixer and resonant acoustic mixer (RAM)... This result, therefore, indicates more thorough mixing in the case of the RAM process, but this requires confirmation...
Smith, P. C., Huf, J. P., & Williams, C. A. (2021). Rocket propellant comparison: Conventional planetary mixing and resonant acoustic mixing. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 47(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.202100028
Primary Explosive Processing in the Resonant Acoustic Mixer
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
“[RAM’s} ability to rapidly mix even highly viscous substances through application of acoustic energy while avoiding the use of traditional blades has provided substantial leaps forward in both safety and efficiency.“
Beckel, E., Oyler, K., Mehta, N., Khatri, N., Marin, J., Shah, A., Cordaro‐Gioia, E., Decker, R., Grau, H., & Stec, D. (2021). Primary explosive processing in the resonant acoustic mixer. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 46(5), 697–704. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.202100008
Resonant acoustic mixing of polymer bonded explosives
Resonant acoustic mixing of polymer bonded explosives
The findings are then reconciled with wider literature observations and recommendations are made as how to best implement RAM for ‘PBneXt’ manufacture, ultimately allowing for explosive compositions with improved performance, mechanical, safety, and ageing properties.
Is ResonantAcoustic Mixing® (RAM) a Game Changer for Manufacturing Solid Composite Rocket Propellants?
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
This study is a structured literature review of published ResonantAcoustic® Mixing (RAM) literature, considering the benefits and constraints of using RAM... Overall RAM offers numerous benefits to mixing existing and new materials with large savings in time, cost, improved safety and is more environmentally friendly
Wright, C. J., Wilkinson, P. J., Gaulter, S. E., Fossey, D., Burn, A. O., & Gill, P. P. (2021). Is ResonantAcoustic Mixing® (RAM) a game changer for manufacturing solid composite rocket propellants? Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 47(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.202100146
Combustion of Gelled HAN/Methanol/Water Propellants
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
In the present work, an aqueous HAN/methanol solution (70.1 wt% HAN and 14.9 wt% methanol) was gelled with 1 wt% polyacrylamide in an acoustic mixer.
Ferguson, R. E., & Shafirovich, E. (2021). Combustion of gelled HAN/Methanol/Water propellants. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 46(11), 1672–1678. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.202100166
Comparison of Propellant Processing by Cast‐Cure and Resonant Acoustic Mixing
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
"For the propellant studied in this research, resonant acoustic mixing is a very promising, advanced processing technique that can be applied as an alternative to the conventional mechanical mixing of this high solid load propellant composition.“
Zebregs, M., Mayer, A. E. H. J., & Van Der Heijden, A. E. D. M. (2019). Comparison of propellant processing by Cast‐Cure and resonant acoustic mixing. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 45(1), 87–91. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201900169
Resonant Acoustic® Mixing: Processing and Safety
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnic
“...technologies include additive manufacturing and Resonant Acoustic® Mixing (RAM), which are being demonstrated to reduce processing times, environmental impact and of course cost.”
Andrews, M. R., Collet, C., Wolff, A., & Hollands, C. (2019). Resonant Acoustic® Mixing: Processing and safety. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 45(1), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201900280
Burning Rate Characterization of Ammonium Perchlorate Pellets Containing Nano-Catalytic Additives
AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum
“Intimate contact between the AP (composite Ammonium Perchlorate) and nano-catalysts was ensured using a Resonant Acoustic Mixer (RAM).
Rodriguez, F. A., Thomas, J. C., Teitge, D., & Petersen, E. L. (2020). Burning rate Characterization of ammonium perchlorate pellets containing Nano-Catalytic additives. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1425
Formulation via Resonant Acoustic Mixing at LANL
The possibility of an alternate method needed to be looked at to advance the process by expanding solvent choices, substrates, and reducing costs. Acoustic mixing had been shown to mix powders, slurries, pastes or even liquids.
Processing Studies of Energetic Materials using Resonant Acoustic Mixing Technology
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
“...manufacturing methods within the energetics field can involve large amounts of solvents, long processing times, high waste output, high shear moving parts, and have single large batch limitations...manufacturing of energetic materials, propellants and pyrotechnics via RAM technology have highlighted many potential advantages.”
Davey, R. J., Wilgeroth, J. M., & Burn, A. O. (2019). Processing Studies of Energetic Materials using Resonant Acoustic Mixing Technology. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201900355
Milling of Energetic Crystals with the LabRAM
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
“...[confirms] feasibility of safely dry milling micron size energetic crystals on a LabRAM acoustic mixer while optimizing mill parameters to effectively reduce size.“
Kotter, L. N., & Groven, L. J. (2019). Milling of Energetic Crystals with the LabRAM. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 44(7), 908–914. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201800327
The Effects of Resonant Acoustic Mixing on the Microstructure of UHPC
International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete
“We study the effects of RAM on the microstructure of a designated UHPC mix...our results show that RAM mixing produces a dense UHPC matrix with low porosity.“
Vandenberg, A. & Wille, K., (2019) “The Effects of Resonant Acoustic Mixing on the Microstructure of UHPC”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 2(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.9636
Meta-structure Enhancement of Resonant Acoustic Mixing via Embedded Additive Manufacturing
"The performance of energetic materials is founded on a wide range of material and mixing parameters. Resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) is advantageous as a scalable, contactless energetics mixing method..."
Reach, W. A. (2019). META-STRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT OF RESONANT ACOUSTIC MIXING VIA EMBEDDED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING. https://doi.org/10.13016/yk6h-qn3g
Evaluation of novel propellants manufactured from commercially available Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) using resonant acoustic mixing
“The objective was to advance the current scientific understanding of the PSP relationships underlying RAM... it may be possible to tailor pre-mix meta-structure designs for targeted applications, providing promising new means [for RAM] to support industries that rely on energetics.”
Wilkinson, P. J. (2019). Evaluation of novel propellants manufactured from commercially available Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) using resonant acoustic mixing. https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/15949
Determination and optimisation of Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) efficiency in Polymer Bonded eXplosive (PBX) processing
Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification
An investigation into how the efficiency (time and energy required for homogeneity) of Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) can be determined and optimised was undertaken. An idealised Polymer Bonded eXplosive (PBX) simulant based on glass microbeads (28.3 m D50, 62% v/v in binder and plasticiser) was used for mixing.
Claydon, A., Patil, A., Gaulter, S., Kister, G., & Gill, P. (2022). Determination and optimisation of Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) efficiency in Polymer Bonded eXplosive (PBX) processing. Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, 173, 108806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2022.108806
New mixing technology achieves more explosive power
Our engineers have achieved a 20 percent increase in munition explosive power by mixing current polymer bonded explosives using Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) technology.
For instance... resonant acoustic mixing of propellants and pyrotechnics, oscillations of test bed in static evaluation of rockets, acoustic and non-acoustic combustion of propellants inside rocket motors, recoiling of gun during the firing of guns, generation of pressure waves in gun chamber during combustion / projectile motion etc., vibration remains an omni-present factor, influencing the product quality, performance, life and reliability
Murthy, K. P. S., High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organization, & Government of India, Ministry of Defence. (2021). Keynote speech: Vibro-Engineering in Armaments. In Extended Abstract. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory. https://static-01.extrica.com/conferences/delhi-2019/shri_kps_murthy_topic.pdf
Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing for Energetic Formulations
In this research, we utilize Resonant Acoustic® Mixing (RAM) technology to generate secondary explosive pressing powder and cast-cure formulations that minimize the use of processing and cleaning solvents and reduce the amount of energetic scrap and waste.
Green Processing of Energetic Materials Using Resonant Acoustic Mixing Technology
This project will demonstrate the ability of the new Resonant Acoustic® Mixing (RAM) technology to produce energetic weapons systems components in a single processing step and quantify the reduction in processing waste generated as compared to legacy manufacturing techniques.
Chapter 6: Co-crystallization of Energetic Materials
Monographs in supramolecular chemistry
Novel techniques such as resonant acoustic mixing are introduced as a means for the large-scale production of energetic co-crystals.
Kennedy, S. R., & Pulham, C. R. (2018). Chapter 6. Co-crystallization of energetic materials. In Monographs in supramolecular chemistry (pp. 231–266). https://doi.org/10.1039/9781788012874-00231
Interactions of Polymers and Energetic Materials
Open Access Master's Theses
For calorimetry, foams were ground in a coffee grinder and sieved to particle sizes of 150-300 µm. They were mixed in a Resodyn Acoustic Mixer with pyrotechnic.
Time for pairing: cocrystals as advanced energetic materials
CrystEngComm
In addition, resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) technique, bead milling and spray flash evaporation technique are also introduced as means for large-scale production of nanosized energetic cocrystals.
Zhang, J., & Shreeve, J. M. (2016). Time for pairing: cocrystals as advanced energetic materials. CrystEngComm, 18(33), 6124–6133. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6ce01239f
Formation of Additive-Containing Nanothermites and Modifications to their Friction Sensitivity
Journal of Energetic Materials
In the present work, MoS2, graphene, and hexadecane additives were dispersed in MoO3 prior to nanothermite
formation with the aim of reducing friction sensitivity. Nanothermites were subsequently prepared using a palmitic acid–passivated nano-aluminum (L-Al) and additive-containing nano-MoO3 by the resonant acoustic mixing of dry powders.
Kelly, D. G., Beland, P., Brousseau, P., & Petre, C. (2016). Formation of Additive-Containing Nanothermites and Modifications to their Friction Sensitivity. Journal of Energetic Materials, 35(3), 331–345. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2016.1193072
Promising CL-20-Based Energetic Material by Cocrystallization
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
A novel cocrystal (NEX-1) of CL-20 and MDNT is presented herein. The CL-20: MDNT cocrystal, obtained in high yield by resonant acoustic mixing, shows new properties versus the discrete components.
Anderson, S. R., Dubé, P., Krawiec, M., Salan, J. S., Ende, D. J. A., & Samuels, P. (2016). Promising CL‐20‐Based energetic material by cocrystallization. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 41(5), 783–788. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201600065
RAM Mixer Technology Controls Introduction and Control at Resonance (2016 Technical InterChange presentation)
Resodyn Acoustic Mixers
Swing example: Well-timed inputs of small energy will cause a swing to maintain or increase height. The energy is supplied by the person on the ground pushing on the swing as it moves away from them. Only small synchronized energy inputs are required to keep the swing going.
Putting the squeeze on energetic co-crystals: High-pressure studies of 2(CL20):HMX and NQ:DNP
High-pressure studies
Two energetic co-crystal systems have been investigated under pressure using neutron powder diffraction – 2(CL20):HMX, and nitroguanidine:2-hydroxy-3,5-dinitropyridine (NQ:DNP). The 2(CL-20):HMX co-crystal was prepared with a ResoDyn LabRAM Resonant Acoustic Mixer using a published method.
Dry Powder Coating of Energetic Materials: Feasible or Futile? (2015 Technical InterChange Presentation)
Resodyn Acoustic Mixers
Capece and Davé used the acoustic energy produced by the RAM to deform a micronized polymer over the surface of ascorbic acid crystals, forming a continuous layer. Applying the same process to energetic materials is not a simple matter, and many factors must be considered to determine whether dry powder coating can be carried out without the risk of initiating the energetic material.
Macro and micro characterization of powder mixing processes
Resonant acoustic mixing significantly affected the final properties of lubricated blends, increasing their density with increases in acceleration and blending time. These changes in blend properties affected the final properties of tablets by increasing weight, decreasing hardness, and decreasing dissolution.
Osorio Caicedo, Juan Guillermo. Macro and micro characterization of powder mixing processes. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3NK3CB1
Preparation of an energetic‐energetic cocrystal using resonant acoustic mixing
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
“Resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) was applied to the preparation of an energetic-energetic cocrystal comprised of CL-20 and HMX in a 2:1 mol ratio. We have prepared the cocrystal using the RAM technology in a resource-efficient manner providing near quantitative yield. The cocrystalline product from the RAM preparation is consistent with the product from solution crystallization.”
Anderson, S. R., Ende, D. J. A., Salan, J. S., & Samuels, P. (2014). Preparation of an Energetic‐Energetic Cocrystal using Resonant Acoustic Mixing. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 39(5), 637–640. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201400092
The role of fuel particle size on flame propagation velocity in thermites with a nanoscale oxidizer
Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
“Acoustic mixing was better suited for this study due to the disparate differences between the materials...”
Sullivan, K. T., Kuntz, J. D., & Gash, A. E. (2014). The Role of Fuel Particle Size on Flame Propagation Velocity in Thermites with a Nanoscale Oxidizer. Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 39(3), 407–415. https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.201400020
Thermal Imaging of Thermite Flame Propagation
“The total mass of the powder was 1 g. The container was closed and mixed using a resonant acoustic mixer (LabRAM, Resodyn Corp.) at 100 G acceleration for a total of 2 minutes.“
Densmore, J. M., Sullivan, K. T., Gash, A. E., & Kuntz, J. D. (2014, January 17). Thermal imaging of thermite flame propagation - osti.gov. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1479055
An Examination of the Resonant Acoustic Mixer’s Flow Field
This report details a second step made toward the high fidelity, first principles numerical simulation of the mixing for the resonant acoustic mixer. The current study addresses the mixing of two resins at higher, differing viscosities.
Effect of Solids Loading on Resonant Mixed Al‐Bi2O3 Nanothermite Powder
“...the performance and overall quality of [RAM] mixing was strongly correlated to the volumetric solids loading during processing; increasing volumetric solids loading decreases separation of particles, leading to more particle interaction and more intimate mixing.”
Feasibility Study and Demonstration of an Aluminum and Ice Solid Propellant
International Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Early mixtures in this work were mixed by hand or using a Ross DPM-1Q dual planetary mixer (Charles Ross & Son Company, Hauppauge, New York). However, inconstancies in mixing and packing densities motivated other approaches. A Resodyn LabRAM resonating mixer (Resodyn Acoustic Mixer Inc., Butte, Montana) was ultimately selected to mix the ALICE propellant.
Pourpoint, T. L., Wood, T. D., Pfeil, M. A., Tsohas, J., & Son, S. F. (2012). Feasibility study and demonstration of an aluminum and ice solid propellant. International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 2012, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/874076
Processing Benefits of Resonance Acoustic Mixing on High Performance Propellants and Explosive
RAM can be used to effectively mix extremely viscous explosive formulations
Nelson, A., & Cross, T. (2012). Processing Benefits of Resonance Acoustic Mixing on High Performance Propellants and Explosives. Processing Benefits of Resonance Acoustic Mixing on High Performance Propellants and Explosives. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a597433.pdf
ResonantAcoustic ® Mixing; Design and Process Considerations Concerning Vessel/Case Geometry and Mix versus Cure Time When Preparing Composite Solid Propellant
ResearchGate
The mixing was performed using Resodyn Corporation’s ResonantAcoustic ® Mixers. These mixers employ acoustic energy for mixing and do not use any blades, or paddles. This capability enables mixing in the end use container and also allows the use of a wide variety of container geometries.
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