Electroactive Energetic Materials - Structure and Response

Abstract

 In the past decade, there has been increased interest in developing an understanding of the electroactive nature of energetic materials and how such properties might be harnessed to develop unique switching capabilities.  In our work, we study how flexoelectricity is influenced by the micro and macrostructure for a host of reactive materials (propellants, explosives, and pyrolants). Flexoelectricity has been well studied for nonreactive systems for energy conversion and harvesting, but until quite recently has not been considered for reactive material systems. This seminar will discuss our understanding and tailoring of flexoelectricity and its implications for engineered energetic materials. 

 About the Speaker

Dr. Lori Groven is a Professor in the Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines. Prior to this appointment, she was a Research Faculty at Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering, Zucrow Laboratories. Her research is at the intersection of multiphase combustion, tailored energetic materials, explosives, pyrotechnics, and catalyst development.  Her research continues to drive new performance opportunities for reactives through the development of stimuli-responsive materials and advancements in additive manufacturing capabilities.

Host: Professor Nick Glumac