Design and performance of a micro-scale detonation train with a built-in pyrotechnic MEMS-based safety and arming device

Abstract

To improve the equipment miniaturization and reliability of weapons and ammunition systems, this study designs a micro-scale detonation train (MDT) with a built-in pyrotechnic microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based safety and arming (S&A) device, which consists of an energetic semiconductor bridge (ESCB) detonator, and a S&A device with built-in isolation mechanisms, and a micro-detonation train. Furthermore, this study investigates the effects of the slider thickness, the spring beams’ thickness, and the positioning beam type on the security of the S&A device using the Finite Element Dynamics software and verifies the function of the MDT through experiments of capacitive charge and discharge ignition. As indicated by the results, an encouraging arming function can be achieved under a slider thickness of 1.0 ​mm and a positioning beam type of PB, while the spring beam thickness is less relevant. Additionally, the results show that the arming function of the MDT can be completed in 0.6 ​ms.