Work

Impact energy release and damage effect of fluoropolymer-based reactive projectile against low–slow–small drone

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To enhance the destructive effect of PTFE-based reactive materials on the low–slow–small (LSS) drone with lightweight protective capability, six types of reactive projectiles with different compactness and fillers were assembled. Mechanical properties across a wide range of strain rates were systematically characterized by combining micromorphology analysis with quasi-static compression and split-Hopkinson pressure bar experiments. Reaction heat, reaction overpressure and reaction efficiency were systematically investigated. The damage effect of the impact energy release of reactive projectile on LSS drone was evaluated finally. The results indicate that the addition of Ni enhanced both the static and dynamic compressive strength of the material. The inclusion of MnO 2 reduced the static and dynamic compressive strength. Both ZrH 2 and MnO 2 increased the reaction energy and reaction overpressure of the material, whereas Ni decreased the reaction energy, reaction overpressure, and reaction efficiency. While a reduction in material compactness lowered the initial impact pressure, the resulting adiabatic compression of pores significantly improved the reaction efficiency of the material. Considering the chemical and mechanical properties comprehensively, the selection of PTFE/Al/MnO 2 reactive projectile substantially enhanced the damage effect of LSS drone.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.116934