![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/49615310838_c861843696_o.jpg\")
\u201cA benefit of microwaves,\u201d Duque says, \u201cis that we can reach a higher volume of the ignition material. We can even ignite materials that are traditionally very challenging to ignite by conventional means.\u201d<\/p>\n
When it comes to propulsion, such as propelling a bullet through a gun or a rocket through the sky, the goal is fast movement. This movement is achieved by igniting a certain type of material that generates enough energy to launch something (even very heavy things, such as artillery ammunition). The more material that gets ignited, the more energy that can be harnessed for propulsion. Given that microwaves ignite a greater volume of material, the resulting propulsion distance may also be increased.<\/p>\n
But as it turns out, there\u2019s room for wider application of microwaves in the field of weapons. Perry and Duque are starting to consider how pre-exposing a high-energy explosive (like that used to detonate a bomb) to microwaves can change the explosive\u2019s microstructure and enhance its performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpecifically, we are looking at plastic-bonded explosives (PBX), which are mission-critical materials for the Lab, and we are trying to enhance their performance,\u201d Duque says. Exposing PBX to microwaves before detonation may change the material\u2019s energetic response to shock. It\u2019s a novel concept, and one with a large payoff in terms of potential performance.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/49615310858_b7fecff442_o.jpg\")