L-057 Help documentation for the NIMIC Energetic Materials Compendium (EMC)

Building on an earlier document published in hard copy form by the NATO Insensitive Munitions Information Centre (NIMIC) in 1994, the NIMIC staff is continuing work on a database of new energetic compounds and formulations that have application in munition systems. This compendium contains descriptive information, performance data, mechanical properties, and results of hazard assessment and insensitive munitions (IM) testing. The new edition of the Energetic Materials Compendium (EMC), produced in electronic format, is currently available to NIMIC member nations and contains information on components and high explosives. Currently, details on over 200 high explosive formulations that exhibit reduced vulnerability are included, along with information on more commonly used formulations provided for comparison.

The process of expanding and updating the information that has already been compiled will be an on going task in order to keep this tool current. Updates will be provided at regular intervals on the latest energetic materials, including both compounds and formulations. A new section concerning solid rocket propellant formulations is also being developed. Due to the sensitivity of information on rocket propellants, the information included is generic in nature and relates in some cases to propellant “families” rather than individual formulations.

We envision the use of the EMC as a tool particularly for weapons system developers and formulators to aid in the selection of insensitive energetic material to meet their specific needs. It is hoped that the EMC will become a valuable reference tool for anyone looking for information on international energetic material formulations.