Micro detonator and projectile including a micro detonator

Abstract

A micro detonator is provided. The micro detonator is made from thermite consisting of layered metal oxide and reducing metal, separated by gradient interface layers. Oxidation of the reducing metal is resisted during and after deposition of the thermite layers until the exothermic reaction is initiated. Layer thickness can thus be reduced without significantly reducing energy density, resulting in rapid, mechanical propagation of the reaction. The micro detonator can be used as a standalone device or within a projectile containing a second charge.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A micro detonator, comprising:
 a substrate having a first side and a second side;   alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal deposited upon the first side of the substrate; and   a gradient interface layer disposed between each layer of reducing metal and each adjacent layer of metal oxide.   
     
     
         2 . The micro detonator according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is made from a malleable material. 
     
     
         3 . The micro detonator according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate further comprises a pair of electrically conductive portions separated by an electrically insulative portion. 
     
     
         4 . A projectile, the projectile defining a front end portion and a back end portion, the projectile comprising:
 an explosive material forming at least a portion of the body of the projectile;   a penetrator disposed within the body of the projectile;   a micro detonator disposed forward of the penetrator, the micro detonator comprising:
 a substrate having a first side and a second side; 
 alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal deposited upon the first side of the substrate; and 
 a gradient interface layer disposed between each layer of reducing metal and each adjacent layer of metal oxide. 
   
     
     
         5 . The projectile according to  claim 4 , wherein the substrate is made from a malleable material. 
     
     
         6 . The projectile according to  claim 4 , wherein the projectile is a bullet. 
     
     
         7 . The projectile according to  claim 4 , wherein the explosive material defines an inverted cone within the forward portion of the projectile. 
     
     
         8 . The projectile according to  claim 4 , wherein the penetrator and micro detonator are disposed in the back end portion of the projectile, and the explosive material is disposed forward of the micro detonator.