Abstract:
This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to neutralize ordnance, more specifically improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). The current invention provides a simple method to neutralize the ordnance by taking advantage of a new class of energetic materials that includes nano-thermites, binary thermites and additionally powdered thermites. In the invention, a projectile is loaded with the new class of energetic materials and fired into the ordnance. The impact causes the energetic materials to react in such a fashion that the explosive compound or other material within the IED or UXO is burned in a self-propagating mode without exploding. Hence, the ordnance is neutralized.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/834,992 filed Aug. 2, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to neutralize explosive devices, and more specifically to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). The current invention provides a simple method to neutralize such explosive devices by taking advantage of a new class of energetic materials called nano-thermites, binary thermites, and, additionally, powdered thermites. More particularly, the invention relates to a projectile that is loaded with the new class of materials and fired into the IED or UXO. The impact causes the nano-energetic materials to react in such a fashion that the explosive compound and/or material within the IED or UXO is burned in a self-propagating mode without exploding. Hence, the IED or UXO is neutralized. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     On the battlefield, the neutralization of UXOs, land mines and IEDs tend to fall into a gray area between the overlapping capabilities of combat engineers and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams. One common strategy is to identify threats, mark them, move around them, and subsequently neutralize them. Neutralization strategies range from destroying the threat with explosives, destroying it with another munition, burning it, or physically disarming it. 
     Neutralizing the device using another explosive or munition generally results in a high order/high explosive effect. This process requires many considerations. For example, if the UXO is in a highly populated or public place, the detonation of the UXO can cause harm to people and personel as well as damaging the surrounding buildings and infrastructures. In these cases, neutralization of the UXO requires very specialized equipment and highly trained individuals. Many times, neutralization requires the specialized personnel to closely interact with the UXO or LED and puts them at considerable risk. However, in a battle field environment, these personel and techniques may not be readily available. Therefore there is a need for a simple solution to neutralize UXOs and IEDs that does not require highly specialized equipment and training. 
     Physically disarming a UXO or IED is sometimes required, but it requires extremely intimate interaction with the device and highly specialized equipment and personel. In the battle field, IEDs have become much more complex using remote triggering devices, as well as conventional triggering devices. Thus, it is possible that an IED can be detonated by the enemy while it is being disarmed. This greatly enhances the risk to personel. Hence, there is a need to minimize intimate personel contact with the UXO and IED when neutralizing it. 
     A method to minimize the potential damage while neutralizing a UXO or IED is to use non-explosive neutralization methods, such as those developed at the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. These methods include propellants, thermites and pyrotechnics and are designed to neutralize the device by deflagration (also referred to as burning or combustion) instead of detonation of the mine&#39;s main charge. Known non-explosive technologies for clearing mines and UXOs are (a) bullet with chemical capsule (BCC); bullet carrying chemical; reactive mine clearance (REMIC and REMIC-II); thermites; Mine Incinerator; Pyrotechnic Torch, and Humanitarian Demining Flare ( manufactured by Thiokol). 
     Four of the more common systems are briefly described herein. The first two methods were developed under the Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining R&amp;D Program; the third method was developed by the United Kingdom&#39;s Defense Establishment Research Agency (DERA); and the fourth method was developed under the direction of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). 
     The Humanitarian Demining Flare neutralizes mines by quickly burning through the casing and igniting the explosive fill without detonation. [See D. L. Patel, J. J. Regnier and S. P. Burke, “Humanitarian Demining Flare against Cluster Munitions and Hard Cased Landmines,”  U.S. Army CECOM, Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate,  2002] The flare is made from surplus solid rocket propellant manufactured by Thiokol for the Space Shuttle Program. The flare is positioned next to the mine or IED such that the low-thrust flame with an average temperature in excess of 3500° F. (2260° K) can burn through the mine&#39;s casing. The burn time of the flare can be controlled by altering the diameter and length of the flare. Typically, the flare is remotely actuated. A present embodiment of the Thiokol Flare is 5 inches long, one inch in diameter and burns for approximately 70 seconds. 
     Two other similar devices to the Humanitarian Demining Flare are the Mine Incinerator (MI) and the FireAnt. [See D. L. Patel, “Can Currently Developed Deflagration Systems Neutralize Hard Case Mines?”,  UXO/Countermine Forum Conference Proceedings,  Apr. 9-12, 2001, New Orleans, USA; A. J. Tulis, J. L. Austing and D. L. Patel, “Rocket-Concept Pyrotechnic-Propellant Torch for the Non-Detonative Neutralization of Mines and UXO,”  Technologies of Mine Countermeasures,  Mar. 27-29, 2001, Sydney, Australia] The MI is based on a self-propagating solid-state reaction (conventional thermite). This device is also positioned within close proximity of the mine such that its liquid reaction products with a temperature up to 4000° K can burn through the mine&#39;s casing and burn the explosive material. The FireAnt is a pyrotechnic device designed to burn the explosives contained within a mine&#39;s casing. It contains a composition of aluminum, barium nitrate, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It contains about 80 gm of composition sealed in a 23.7 cm long, 3.9 cm diameter cardboard cylinder. An electrical match is inserted in the pyrotechnic mixture at the bottom of the cylinder and then it is placed above the UXO. A battery or a demolition device ignites the electrical match. The mixture burns at 1830° K for around 23-24 seconds. 
     While these methods overcome the issues associated with the exploding the UXO and they are relatively simple, they still require personnel to intimately interact with the UXO. Hence, there is still a need for a simple and safe method to neutralize the UXOs. 
     One method that has addressed the issue associated with the intimate contact with the UXO is the Zeus-Humvee laser ordnance neutralization system (HLONS) developed under the direction of the U.S. Army SMDC. [S. R Gourley, “Zeus-Humvee Laser Ordnance Neutralization System,”  Army Magazine  54, December 2004] This method represents the first high-power laser weapon system to successfully engage and neutralize unexploded ordnance (UXO). The system integrates an up-armored Humvee with a solid-state laser that has an effective stand-off engagement range of up to 300 meters against UXO and surface-laid land mines. The laser neutralizes or negates the ordnance by focusing energy on the outer casing of the target, heating the munition until it is destroyed by internal combustion. The combustion created by the laser produces low-level detonations rather than activating the explosive power designed into land mines and UXOs. This system is quite complex, is expensive and still requires specially trained personnel to operate the equipment. 
     Hence, while the current state of the art each address certain aspects of the issues associated with neutralizing a UXO or IED, there is still a need for a simple, inexpensive and safe method for neutralizing explosive devices, particularly IEDs, and UXOs. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the present invention provides for an apparatus or device for neutralizing explosive devices and weapons (collectively “ordnance”) containing explosive material that comprises a projectile containing energetic material, wherein, when the projectile contacts and penetrates the ordnance, the energetic material reacts with the explosive material of the ordnance to neutralize the ordnance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel apparatus or device uses a new class of materials referred to as Metastable Intermolecular Composites (MIC) or nano-thermites to simply and safely neutralize ordnance, particularly those in the form of IEDs and UXOs. Such new materials are commonly identified as nano-energetic materials. The apparatus is comprised of a small amount of the nano-energetic material packaged within a projectile that is launched from a small caliber rifle, kinetic energy gun, or other suitable launcher. Upon impact with the ordnance, the projectile penetrates the ordnance casing and the impact causes the nano-energetic material to react and neutralize the explosive material within the ordnance. The new apparatus eliminates the need for personnel to be in close or in intimate proximity to the ordnance and eliminates the need for highly specialized personnel and equipment. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the fuel and oxidizer of the MIC composite are segregated so that the projectile is less sensitive to handling issues (such as electrical static discharges), but still retains that ability to react upon impact and neutralize the explosive material within the UXO, IED, land mine or other ordnance. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a powdered thermite is packaged into the projectile, such that, upon impact, the powdered thermite reacts and neutralizes the explosive material in the IED, UXO, or other ordnance. In that circumstance, the powder may be compacted or loosely contained within the projectile. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, metals that form intermetallic compounds via an exothermic reaction are packaged into the projectile, such that, upon impact, they react and neutralize the explosive material within the IED, UXO or other ordnance. Preferably the metals are powdered with a size in the low to submicron range. The metals may be compacted or loosely contained within the projectile. Additionally the metals may be segregated within the projectile to reduce their reaction sensitivity. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an oxidizer or metal that reacts with at least one of the projectile casing or the ordnance casing is packaged into the projectile. This allows more energy to be released at the target by using the projectile body or ordnance casing as the fuel source. 
     Additionally, a method for neutralizing the explosive material within an UXO, IED, or other ordnance is disclosed. The method involves loading a projectile with the energetic material, firing the projectile from a small caliber rifle, kinetic energy gun or other suitable launcher, and having the projectile penetrate the ordnance casing. The impact with the casing causes the energetic material to react and subsequently burn the explosive material within the UXO, IED or other ordnance. In this manner, the current invention provides a safe method that does not require complex equipment and specialized personnel to neutralize UXOs, IEDs or other ordnance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic of an embodiment of the present invention having an aluminum shell containing energetic material where the shell is encased within a sphere. 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic of another embodiment of the present invention having the energetic materials segregated within the projectile. 
         FIG. 3  shows a physics representation of an embodiment of the present invention impacting an UXO. 
     
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
     “Improvised Explosive Device” and “IED” shall mean a device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. It may incorporate military stores, but is normally devised from nonmilitary components. An IED typically consists of an explosive charge, possibly a booster charge, a detonator and a mechanism either mechanical or electronic, known as the initiation system. IEDs are extremely diverse in design, and may contain any type of firing device or initiator, plus various commercial, military, or contrived chemical or explosive fillers. IEDs are mostly conventional high-explosive charges, also known as homemade bombs. However, there is the threat that toxic chemical, biological, or radioactive (dirty bomb) material can be included to add to the destructive power and psychological effect of the device. Device placement is generally based on ease of concealment, and the likelihood that an appropriate target (frequently a US military vehicle) will pass close by. 
     “Unexploded Ordnance” and “(UXO)” shall mean an explosive weapon (such as a bomb, shell, grenade, etc.) that did not explode when it was employed, and still poses a risk of detonation, some time afterwards (even decades after the battle in which it was used). An explosive ordnance that has been primed, fused, armed or otherwise prepared for use or used but did not detonate is an UXO. The UXO could have been fired, dropped, launched, or projected yet remains unexploded either through malfunction or design or for any other cause. 
     “Deflagration” shall mean combustion that propagates through a gas or along the surface of an explosive at a rapid rate driven by the transfer of heat; a reaction (typically chemical) accompanied by a vigorous evolution of heat, flame or spattering of burning particles. Although deflagration is classed as an explosion, generally this term implies the burning (exothermic chemical reaction) of a substance with self-contained oxygen so that the reaction zone advances into the unreacted material at less than the velocity of sound in the material. During deflagration, heat is transferred from the reacted to the unreacted material by conduction, convection and radiation. Burning rates are usually less than about 2,000 m/s. 
     “Detonation” shall mean an explosion; a violent release of energy caused by a reaction (such as chemical or nuclear); a reaction front (typically chemical) that moves through an explosive material at a velocity greater than the speed of sound in the material. During a detonation, energy is transmitted from the reacted to the unreacted material by a shock wave through the high-temperature and high-pressure gradients generated at the wave front. The reaction generally occurs on a sub-microsecond time scale. Detonation velocities typically lie in the approximate range of about 2,000 m/s to about 9,000 m/s. 
     “Nano-Energetic Material,” “Metastable Intermolecular Composite” and “(MIC)” shall mean a special class of materials generally consisting a of metal and a metal oxidizer in which one of the components has at least one nanoscale (less than about 500 nm) dimension and the pair form a reduction-oxidation reaction when activated. 
     “Binary Energetic Material” shall mean a special class of energetic materials in which the components are segregated. Generally, the components are mixed upon impact. 
     “Powdered Thermite Material” shall mean a thermite pair of materials generally comprising a metal and a metal oxidizer that forms a reduction-oxidation reaction when activated. At least one of the components is a micron or sub-micron powder. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, the current invention uses a new class of materials often referred to as Metastable Intermolecular Composites (MIC), nano-energetics or nano-thermites. A key interest in MIC lies in its ability to release energy in a controllable fashion, coupled with its high energy density and variable mass density. It has become the most studied subset of nano-energetics, primarily because of its unusual and interesting characteristics, which are listed below:
         Super high-temperatures˜6000° K   Higher energy density than organic explosives˜2×   Variable mass density˜3 to 14 g/cc.   Tunable energy release rate˜4 orders of magnitude   By-products are benign˜“green” applications       

     MIC formulations generally consist of metal, such as nano-aluminum (i.e., aluminum having at least one nanoscale dimension), plus a suitable metal oxidizer, such as bismuth trioxide or iron oxide, such that a reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction occurs between the components. Examples of the metal (or fuel) that can utilized in MIC formulations include: aluminum, magnesium, tantalum, zirconium, tungsten, haffium, beryllium and combinations thereof. Examples of oxidizers include: bismuth trioxide, tantalum pentoxide, iron (III) oxide, iron (II, III) oxide, tungsten(IV) oxide, tungsten(VI) oxide, lead oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, molybdenum trioxide and combinations thereof. One advantage of these reaction components is the ability to create formulations with high densities, which are desirable for ballistics such as bullets and reactive fragments. For example, the following formulations have high densities compared to common explosive materials, which are typically in the 1-2 grams/cc range.
 
2 Al+Bi 2 O 3 =7.188 g/cc Ta+5 WO 2 =13.52 g/cc
 
     Other thermite reactions are shown in the following table 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1a 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Thermite Reactions (in Alphabetical Order) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 adiahatic reaction 
                 state 
                   
                   
               
               
                 reactants 
                 temperture (K) 
                 of products 
                 gas production 
                 heat of reaction 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ρ TMD , 
                 w/o phase 
                 w/phase 
                 state of 
                 state of 
                 moles gas 
                 g of gas 
                 −Q, 
                 −Q, 
               
               
                 constituents 
                 g/cm 3   
                 changes 
                 changes 
                 oxide 
                 metal 
                 per 100 g 
                 per g 
                 cal/g 
                 cal/cm 3   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 3Al + 3AgO 
                 6.085 
                 7503 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.7519 
                 0.8083 
                 896.7 
                 5457 
               
               
                 2Al + 3Ag 2 O 
                 6.386 
                 4941 
                 2436 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4298 
                 0.4636 
                 504.8 
                 3224 
               
               
                 2Al + B 2 O 3   
                 2.524 
                 2621 
                 2327 
                 s-l 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 780.7 
                 1971 
               
               
                 2Al + Bi 2 O 3   
                 7.188 
                 3995 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.4731 
                 0.8941 
                 506.1 
                 3638 
               
               
                 2Al + 3CoO 
                 5.077 
                 3392 
                 3201 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0430 
                 0.0254 
                 824.7 
                 4187 
               
               
                 8Al + 3Co 3 O 4   
                 4.716 
                 3938 
                 3201 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2196 
                 0.1294 
                 1012 
                 4772 
               
               
                 2Al + Cr 2 O 3   
                 4.190 
                 2789 
                 2327 
                 s-l 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 622.0 
                 2606 
               
               
                 2Al + 3CuO 
                 5.109 
                 5718 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.5400 
                 0.3431 
                 974.1 
                 4976 
               
               
                 2Al + 3Cu 2 O 
                 5.280 
                 4132 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1221 
                 0.0776 
                 575.5 
                 3039 
               
               
                 2Al + Fe 2 O 3   
                 4.175 
                 4382 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1404 
                 0.0784 
                 945.4 
                 3947 
               
               
                 8Al + 3Fe 3 O 4   
                 4.264 
                 4057 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0549 
                 0.0307 
                 878.8 
                 3747 
               
               
                 2Al + 3HgO 
                 8.986 
                 7169 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.5598 
                 0.9913 
                 476.6 
                 4282 
               
               
                 10Al + 3I 2 O 5   
                 4.119 
                 8680 
                 &gt;3253 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.6293 
                 1.0000 
                 1486 
                 6122 
               
               
                 4Al + 3MnO 2   
                 4.014 
                 4829 
                 2918 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.8136 
                 0.4470 
                 1159 
                 4651 
               
               
                 2Al + MoO 3   
                 3.808 
                 5574 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                 0.2425 
                 0.2473 
                 1124 
                 4279 
               
               
                 10Al + 3Nb 2 O 5   
                 4.089 
                 3240 
                 2705 
                 liquid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 600.2 
                 2454 
               
               
                 2Al + 3NiO 
                 5.214 
                 3968 
                 3187 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0108 
                 0.0063 
                 822.3 
                 4288 
               
               
                 2Al + Ni 2 O 3   
                 4.045 
                 5031 
                 3187 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4650 
                 0.2729 
                 1292 
                 5229 
               
               
                 2Al + 3PbO 
                 8.018 
                 3968 
                 2327 
                 s-l 
                 gas 
                 0.4146 
                 0.8591 
                 337.4 
                 2705 
               
               
                 4Al + 3PbO 2   
                 7.085 
                 6937 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.5366 
                 0.9296 
                 731.9 
                 5185 
               
               
                 8Al + 3Pb 3 O 4   
                 7.428 
                 5427 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.4215 
                 0.8466 
                 478.1 
                 3551 
               
               
                 2Al + 3PdO 
                 7.281 
                 5022 
                 3237 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.6577 
                 0.6998 
                 754.3 
                 5493 
               
               
                 4Al + 3SiO 2   
                 2.668 
                 2010 
                 1889 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 513.3 
                 1370 
               
               
                 2Al + 3SnO 
                 5.540 
                 3558 
                 2876 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1070 
                 0.1270 
                 427.0 
                 2366 
               
               
                 4Al + 3SnO 2   
                 5.356 
                 5019 
                 2876 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2928 
                 0.3476 
                 686.8 
                 3678 
               
               
                 10Al + 3Ta 2 O 5   
                 6.339 
                 3055 
                 2452 
                 liquid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 335.6 
                 2128 
               
               
                 4Al + 3TiO 2   
                 3.590 
                 1955 
                 1752 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 365.1 
                 1311 
               
               
                 16Al + 3U 3 O 8   
                 4.957 
                 1406 
                 1406 
                 solid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 487.6 
                 2417 
               
               
                 10Al + 3V 2 O 5   
                 3.107 
                 3953 
                 3273 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                 0.0699 
                 0.0356 
                 1092 
                 3394 
               
               
                 4Al + 3WO 2   
                 8.085 
                 4176 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 solid 
                 0.0662 
                 0.0675 
                 500.6 
                 4047 
               
               
                 2Al + WO 3   
                 5.458 
                 5544 
                 3253 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                 0.1434 
                 0.1463 
                 696.4 
                 3801 
               
               
                 2B + Cr 2 O 3   
                 4.590 
                 977 
                 917 
                 liquid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 182.0 
                 835.3 
               
               
                 2B + 3CuO 
                 5.665 
                 4748 
                 2843 
                 gas 
                 l-g 
                 0.4463 
                 0.2430 
                 738.1 
                 4182 
               
               
                 2B + Fe 2 O 3   
                 4.661 
                 2646 
                 2065 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 590.1 
                 2751 
               
               
                 8B + 3Fe 3 O 4   
                 4.644 
                 2338 
                 1903 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 530.1 
                 2462 
               
               
                 4B + 3MnO 2   
                 4.394 
                 3000 
                 2133 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                 0.3198 
                 0.1715 
                 773.1 
                 3397 
               
               
                 8B + 3Pb 3 O 4   
                 8.223 
                 4217 
                 2019 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4126 
                 0.8550 
                 326.9 
                 2688 
               
               
                 3Be + B 2 O 3   
                 1.850 
                 3278 
                 2573 
                 liquid 
                 s-l 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 1639 
                 3033 
               
               
                 3Be + Cr 2 O 3   
                 4.089 
                 3107 
                 2820 
                 s-l 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 915.0 
                 3741 
               
               
                 Be + CuO 
                 5.119 
                 3761 
                 2820 
                 s-l 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 1221 
                 6249 
               
               
                 3Be + Fe 2 O 3   
                 4.163 
                 4244 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1029 
                 0.0568 
                 1281 
                 5332 
               
               
                 4Be + Fe 3 O 4   
                 4.180 
                 4482 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0336 
                 0.0188 
                 1175 
                 4910 
               
               
                 2Be + MnO 2   
                 3.882 
                 6078 
                 2969 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.9527 
                 0.5234 
                 1586 
                 6158 
               
               
                 2Be + PbO 2   
                 7.296 
                 8622 
                 4123 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.4665 
                 0.8250 
                 875.5 
                 6387 
               
               
                 4Be + Pb 3 O 4   
                 7.610 
                 5673 
                 3559 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.4157 
                 0.8614 
                 567.8 
                 4322 
               
               
                 2Be + SiO 2   
                 2.410 
                 2580 
                 2482 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 936.0 
                 2256 
               
               
                 3Hf + 2B 2 O 3   
                 6.125 
                 2656 
                 2575 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 296.5 
                 1816 
               
               
                 3Hf + 2Cr 2 O 3   
                 7.971 
                 2721 
                 2572 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 302.3 
                 2410 
               
               
                 Hf + 2CuO 
                 8.332 
                 5974 
                 2843 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.3881 
                 0.2466 
                 567.6 
                 4730 
               
               
                 3Hf + 2Fe 2 O 3   
                 7.955 
                 5031 
                 2843 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2117 
                 0.1183 
                 473.3 
                 3765 
               
               
                 2Hf + Fe 3 O 4   
                 7.760 
                 4802 
                 2843 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1835 
                 0.1025 
                 450.4 
                 3496 
               
               
                 Hf + MnO 2   
                 8.054 
                 5644 
                 3083 
                 s-l 
                 gas 
                 0.3263 
                 0.3131 
                 534.6 
                 4305 
               
               
                 2Hf + Pb 3 O 4   
                 9.775 
                 9382 
                 4410 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.2877 
                 0.5962 
                 345.9 
                 3381 
               
               
                 Hf + SiO 2   
                 6.224 
                 2117 
                 1828 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 203.3 
                 1265 
               
               
                 2La + 3AgO 
                 6.827 
                 8177 
                 4173 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.4619 
                 0.4983 
                 646.7 
                 4416 
               
               
                 2La + 3CuO 
                 6.263 
                 6007 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.3737 
                 0.2374 
                 606.4 
                 3798 
               
               
                 2La + Fe 2 O 3   
                 5.729 
                 4590 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1234 
                 0.0689 
                 529.6 
                 3034 
               
               
                 2La + 3HgO 
                 8.962 
                 7140 
                 &gt;4472 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 .32-.43 
                 0.65-1  
                 392.0 
                 3513 
               
               
                 10La + 3I 2 O 5   
                 5.501 
                 9107 
                 &gt;4472 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.3347 
                 1.0000 
                 849.2 
                 4672 
               
               
                 4La + 3MnO 2   
                 5.740 
                 5270 
                 3120 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.3674 
                 0.2019 
                 593.4 
                 3406 
               
               
                 2La + 3PO 
                 8.207 
                 4598 
                 2609 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.3166 
                 0.6561 
                 287.4 
                 2359 
               
               
                 4La + 3PbO 2   
                 7.629 
                 7065 
                 &gt;4472 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.3927 
                 1.0000 
                 518.8 
                 3958 
               
               
                 8La + 3Pb 3 O 4   
                 7.789 
                 5628 
                 4049 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.2841 
                 0.5886 
                 378.6 
                 2949 
               
               
                 2La + 3PdO 
                 7.769 
                 5635 
                 3237 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2450 
                 0.2606 
                 536.2 
                 4166 
               
               
                 4La + 3WO 2   
                 8.366 
                 3826 
                 3218 
                 liquid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 361.2 
                 3022 
               
               
                 2La + WO 3   
                 6.572 
                 5808 
                 4367 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 445.8 
                 2930 
               
               
                 6Li + B 2 O 3   
                 0.891 
                 2254 
                 1843 
                 s-l 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 1293 
                 1152 
               
               
                 6Li + Cr 2 O 3   
                 1.807 
                 2151 
                 1843 
                 s-l 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 799.5 
                 1445 
               
               
                 6Li + CuO 
                 2.432 
                 4152 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2248 
                 0.1428 
                 1125 
                 2736 
               
               
                 6Li + Fe 2 O 3   
                 1.863 
                 3193 
                 2510 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 1143 
                 2130 
               
               
                 8Li + Fe 3 O 4   
                 0.517 
                 3076 
                 2412 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 1053 
                 2036 
               
               
                 4Li + MnO 2   
                 1.656 
                 3336 
                 2334 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4098 
                 0.2251 
                 1399 
                 2317 
               
               
                 6Li + MoO 3   
                 1.688 
                 4035 
                 2873 
                 l-g 
                 solid 
                 0.2155 
                 0.0644 
                 1342 
                 2265 
               
               
                 8Li + Pb 3 O 4   
                 4.133 
                 4186 
                 2873 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                 0.1655 
                 0.0496 
                 536.7 
                 2218 
               
               
                 4Li + SiO 2   
                 1.177 
                 1712 
                 1687 
                 solid 
                 s-l 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 763.9 
                 898.7 
               
               
                 6Li + WO 3   
                 2.478 
                 3700 
                 2873 
                 l-g 
                 solid 
                 0.0113 
                 0.0034 
                 825.4 
                 2046 
               
               
                 3Mg + B 2 O 3   
                 1.785 
                 6389 
                 3873 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                 0.4981 
                 0.2007 
                 2134 
                 1195 
               
               
                 3Mg + Cr 2 O 3   
                 3.164 
                 3788 
                 2945 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1023 
                 0.0532 
                 813.1 
                 2573 
               
               
                 Mg + CuO 
                 3.934 
                 6502 
                 2843 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.8186 
                 0.5201 
                 1102 
                 4336 
               
               
                 3Mg + Fe 2 O 3   
                 3.224 
                 4703 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2021 
                 0.1129 
                 1110 
                 3579 
               
               
                 4Mg + Fe 3 O 4   
                 3.274 
                 4446 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1369 
                 0.0764 
                 1033 
                 3383 
               
               
                 2Mg + MnO 2   
                 2.996 
                 5209 
                 3271 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.7378 
                 0.4053 
                 1322 
                 3961 
               
               
                 4Mg + Pb 3 O 4   
                 5.965 
                 5883 
                 3873 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.4216 
                 0.8095 
                 556.0 
                 3316 
               
               
                 2Mg + SiO 2   
                 2.148 
                 3401 
                 2628 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.9200 
                   0-.26 
                 789.6 
                 1695 
               
               
                 2Nd + 3AgO 
                 7.244 
                 7628 
                 3602 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.4544 
                 0.4902 
                 625.9 
                 4534 
               
               
                 2Nd + 3CuO 
                 6.719 
                 5921 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.3699 
                 0.2350 
                 603.4 
                 4054 
               
               
                 2Nd + 3HgO 
                 9.430 
                 7020 
                 &lt;5374 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.4263 
                 1.0000 
                 392.7 
                 3703 
               
               
                 10Nd + 3I 2 O 5   
                 5.896 
                 10067 
                 &lt;7580 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.3273 
                 1.0000 
                 840.6 
                 4956 
               
               
                 4Nd + 3MnO 2   
                 6.241 
                 5194 
                 3287 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.3580 
                 0.1967 
                 589.9 
                 3682 
               
               
                 4Nd + 3PbO 2   
                 8.148 
                 6938 
                 &lt;5284 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.3862 
                 1.0000 
                 517.8 
                 4219 
               
               
                 8Nd + 3Pb 3 O 4   
                 8.218 
                 5553 
                 3958 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.2803 
                 0.5808 
                 379.6 
                 3120 
               
               
                 2Nd + 3PdO 
                 8.297 
                 6197 
                 3237 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2394 
                 0.2547 
                 532.7 
                 4420 
               
               
                 4Nd + 3WO 2   
                 9.016 
                 4792 
                 3778 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 362.9 
                 3272 
               
               
                 2Nd + WO 3   
                 7.074 
                 5438 
                 4245 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 446.1 
                 3156 
               
               
                 2Ta + 5AgO 
                 9.341 
                 6110 
                 2436 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4229 
                 0.4562 
                 466.2 
                 4355 
               
               
                 2Ta + 5CuO 
                 9.049 
                 4044 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0776 
                 0.0493 
                 390.3 
                 3532 
               
               
                 6Ta + 5Fe 2 O 3   
                 9.185 
                 2383 
                 2138 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 235.0 
                 2558 
               
               
                 2Ta + 5HgO 
                 12.140 
                 5285 
                 &lt;4200 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.3460 
                 0.6942 
                 263.3 
                 3120 
               
               
                 2Ta + I 2 O 5   
                 7.615 
                 8462 
                 7240 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.2875 
                 1.0000 
                 648.6 
                 4939 
               
               
                 2Ta + 5PbO 
                 10.640 
                 2752 
                 2019 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.1475 
                 0.3056 
                 154.5 
                 1644 
               
               
                 4Ta + 5PbO 2   
                 11.215 
                 4935 
                 3472 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.2604 
                 0.5397 
                 338.6 
                 3797 
               
               
                 8Ta + 5Pb 3 O 4   
                 10.510 
                 3601 
                 2019 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2990 
                 0.6196 
                 225.0 
                 2365 
               
               
                 2Ta + 5PdO 
                 11.472 
                 4344 
                 3237 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0575 
                 0.0612 
                 360.4 
                 4135 
               
               
                 4Ta + 5WO 2   
                 13.515 
                 2556 
                 2196 
                 liquid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 145.1 
                 1962 
               
               
                 6Ta + 5WO 3   
                 9.876 
                 2883 
                 2633 
                 liquid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 206.2 
                 2036 
               
               
                 3Th + 2B 2 O 3   
                 6.688 
                 3959 
                 3135 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 337.8 
                 2259 
               
               
                 3Th + 2Cr 2 O 3   
                 8.300 
                 4051 
                 2945 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0590 
                 0.0307 
                 334.5 
                 2776 
               
               
                 TH + 2CuO 
                 8.582 
                 7743 
                 2843 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4301 
                 0.3421 
                 558.7 
                 4795 
               
               
                 3Th + 2Fe 2 O 3   
                 8.280 
                 6287 
                 3135 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2619 
                 0.1463 
                 477.9 
                 3957 
               
               
                 2Th + Fe 3 O 4   
                 8.092 
                 5912 
                 3135 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.2257 
                 0.1261 
                 458.5 
                 3710 
               
               
                 Th + MnO 2   
                 8.391 
                 7151 
                 3910 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.3135 
                 0.1722 
                 529.2 
                 4440 
               
               
                 Th + PbO 2   
                 10.19 
                 10612 
                 4673 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.2817 
                 0.6231 
                 482.8 
                 4922 
               
               
                 2Th + Pb 3 O 4   
                 9.845 
                 8532 
                 4673 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.2695 
                 0.5633 
                 360.5 
                 3549 
               
               
                 Th + SiO 2   
                 6.732 
                 3813 
                 2628 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                   0-.34 
                   0-.10 
                 258.2 
                 1738 
               
               
                 3Ti + 2B 2 O 3   
                 2.791 
                 1498 
                 1498 
                 solid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 276.6 
                 772.0 
               
               
                 3Ti + 2Cr 2 O 3   
                 4.959 
                 1814 
                 1814 
                 solid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 296.2 
                 1469 
               
               
                 Ti + 2CuO 
                 5.830 
                 5569 
                 2843 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.3242 
                 0.2060 
                 730.5 
                 4259 
               
               
                 3Ti + 2Fe 2 O 3   
                 5.010 
                 3358 
                 2614 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 612.0 
                 3066 
               
               
                 Ti + Fe 3 O 4   
                 4.974 
                 3113 
                 2334 
                 liquid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 563.0 
                 2800 
               
               
                 Ti + MnO 2   
                 4.826 
                 3993 
                 2334 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.3783 
                 0.2078 
                 752.7 
                 3633 
               
               
                 2Ti + Pb 3 O 4   
                 8.087 
                 5508 
                 2498 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.3839 
                 0.7955 
                 358.1 
                 2896 
               
               
                 Ti + SiO 2   
                 3.241 
                 715 
                 715 
                 solid 
                 solid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 75.0 
                 243.1 
               
               
                 2Y + 3CuO 
                 5.404 
                 7668 
                 3124 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.7204 
                 0.4577 
                 926.7 
                 5008 
               
               
                 8Y + 3Fe 3 O 4   
                 4.803 
                 5791 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.3812 
                 0.2129 
                 856.3 
                 4113 
               
               
                 10Y + 3I 2 O 5   
                 4.638 
                 12416 
                 &gt;4573 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.4231 
                 1.0000 
                 1144 
                 5308 
               
               
                 4Y + 3MnO 2   
                 4.690 
                 7405 
                 &lt;5731 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.8110 
                 1.0000 
                 1022 
                 4792 
               
               
                 2Y + MoO 3   
                 4.567 
                 8778 
                 &gt;4572 
                 gas 
                 liquid 
                 0.6215 
                 1.0000 
                 1005 
                 4589 
               
               
                 2Y + Ni 2 O 3   
                 4.636 
                 7614 
                 3955 
                 liquid 
                 gas 
                 0.5827 
                 0.3420 
                 1120 
                 5194 
               
               
                 4Y + 3PbO 2   
                 6.875 
                 9166 
                 &gt;4572 
                 gas 
                 gas 
                 0.4659 
                 1.0000 
                 751.0 
                 5163 
               
               
                 2Y + 3PdO 
                 7.020 
                 8097 
                 3237 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.4183 
                 0.4451 
                 768.1 
                 5371 
               
               
                 4Y + 3SnO 2   
                 5.604 
                 7022 
                 4573 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 .37-.62 
                 0.44-1   
                 726.1 
                 4068 
               
               
                 10Y + 3Ta 2 O 5   
                 6.316 
                 5564 
                 &gt;4572 
                 l-g 
                 liquid 
                   0-0.23 
                   0-0.51 
                 469.7 
                 2966 
               
               
                 10Y + 3V 2 O 5   
                 3.970 
                 7243 
                 &gt;3652 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.2130 
                 0.4181 
                 972.5 
                 3861 
               
               
                 2Y + WO 3   
                 5.677 
                 8296 
                 &gt;4572 
                 gas 
                 liquid 
                 0.2441 
                 0.5512 
                 732.2 
                 4157 
               
               
                 3Zr + 2B 2 O 3   
                 3.782 
                 2730 
                 2573 
                 solid 
                 s-l 
                 0.2930 
                 0.0317 
                 437.4 
                 1654 
               
               
                 3Zr + 2Cr 2 O 3   
                 5.713 
                 2915 
                 2650 
                 solid 
                 liquid 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 423.0 
                 2417 
               
               
                 Zr + 2CuO 
                 6.400 
                 6103 
                 2843 
                 solid 
                 l-g 
                 0.5553 
                 0.3529 
                 752.9 
                 4818 
               
               
                 3Zr + 2Fe 2 O 3   
                 5.744 
                 4626 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0820 
                 0.0458 
                 666.2 
                 3827 
               
               
                 2Zr + Fe 3 O 4   
                 5.668 
                 4103 
                 3135 
                 liquid 
                 l-g 
                 0.0277 
                 0.0155 
                 625.1 
                 3543 
               
               
                 Zr + MnO 2   
                 5.647 
                 5385 
                 2983 
                 s-l 
                 gas 
                 0.5613 
                 0.3084 
                 778.7 
                 4398 
               
               
                 2Zr + Pb 3 O 4   
                 8.359 
                 6595 
                 3300 
                 l-g 
                 gas 
                 0.3683 
                 0.7440 
                 408.1 
                 3412 
               
               
                 Zr + SiO 2   
                 4.098 
                 2233 
                 1687 
                 solid 
                 s-l 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 299.7 
                 1228 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     There are other aspects of MIC that make it uniquely suited for the neutralization of IEDs, UXOs and similar ordnance. When incorporated into a ballistic device such as a bullet, the high density gives the bullet a high ballistic coefficient, as described above, which assists in penetrating the casing of the IED, UXO or other explosive ordnance. The MIC material also reacts upon impact but does not detonate like traditional explosive materials. Instead, its energy release is via a fast and controllable exothermic reaction inside the explosive material of an IED. The energy that is released by the MIC is primarily heat, which means that the overpressure produced by its reaction is modest unlike conventional explosive materials. The reaction rate of the MIC can also be tailored such that it is comparable to the penetration time scale. This is important in that the energy is released inside the IED and not wasted outside the IED. 
     Another aspect that is desirable about the MIC and is different than conventional explosive materials is its extremely high adiabatic combustion temperature, which is favorable for initiation and burning or deflagration of the explosive. These properties have been shown to be desirable for creating a self-propagating reaction front of the explosive within the IED resulting in neutralization. Lastly, it has been shown that only a small amount, e.g., a few grams, of MIC can provide a satisfactory thermal initiation to deflagrate a kilogram or more of explosives. 
     In addition to nano-thermites, powdered thermite material can also be used. Compacted powdered thermites have been shown to react upon impact when incorporated into a projectile. They have a high-energy release but a slower reaction rate relative to the nano-thermites. 
     In an embodiment of the method of the current invention, MIC material is placed within a ballistic projectile and launched at an IED. Upon impact with the IED, the thermite reaction is initiated and the ballistic projectile penetrates into the IED. The subsequent energy release of the nanoenergetic material causes the explosive material within the IED to burn or deflagrate such that the IED is neutralized with minimal external damage. In one example of the current invention, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , 3 grams of MIC material  103  was prepared using 80 nm aluminum (manufactured by NovaCentrix Corp (formerly named Nanotechnologies, Inc.), of Austin, Tex.) and micron bismuth trioxide (distributed by Skylighter, Inc., P.O. Box 480-W, Round Hill, Va. 20142-0480) in the ratio by weight of 15/85, respectively. The entire mix was pressed into a 1 cm diameter by 1 cm high aluminum shell  101  and capped with an aluminum disk  102 . The top half of the fill was an additional 3 grams of bismuth trioxide. The assembly was then placed in a split half, polycarbonate sphere  110 . The polycarbonate sphere  110  was required to fit the projectile to the inner diameter (ID) of a 25 mm gun. To simulate the neutralization of a typical IED, the projectile was launched by the 25 mm powder gun into an 81-mm mortar shell. The 800 grams of Comp B explosive material within the mortar rapidly deflagrated and the mortar case split in half. Hence, the mortar was neutralized with minimal damage. 
     While the current embodiment of the invention used an aluminum cylindrical shell contained within a polycarbonate sphere to contain and launch the MIC, more traditional ballistic devices, such as bullets, can be used. Also, thermite pairs other than the aluminum and bismuth trioxide can be used and more specifically reaction combinations that produce low amounts of gas. Combinations, such as, but not limited to, aluminum and molybdenum trioxide, aluminum and iron oxide, tantalum and tungsten oxide are examples of other thermite pairs that can be used. Depending on the parameters of the IED, such as shell thickness and composition, it may be desirable to adjust the reaction rate of the MIC. The reaction rate can be controlled by varying the size of the particles as well as the ratio and type of constituents. While 80 nm Al was used in the example, other sizes can be used. Generally, particles less than about 10 micron (powdered thermites), more specifically less than about 1 micron and even more specifically less than about 500 nm (i.e., nanoscale dimension) can be used. Particles having at least one dimension of less than about 250 nm (and, in some embodiments, less than about 100 nm) may further be utilized. Furthermore, while the example used 80 nm metal with a micron-sized metal oxide, both components can be nanoscale. If a faster reaction rate is desired, generally using one component that has a nanoscale dimension will result in a reaction rate that is much faster than conventional powdered thermites. 
     Another embodiment of the current invention uses binary MIC or binary powdered thermite in which the two components are physically segregated within the projectile.  FIG. 2  shows an example similar to the previous embodiment in which the MIC material components are segregated. In this alternative embodiment, the metal  203  and the metal oxide  204  are pressed in discrete layers within the aluminum shell  201 . The shell is then capped with an aluminum disk  202  and placed inside a polycarbonate sphere  210 . Upon impact with the IED or UXO, the difference in densities between the components will cause intimate mixing of the components and still cause the material to react. In the powdered form, MIC is very sensitive to electrostatic discharges and to friction, however, once it is inside the shell is it relatively insensitive. By physically segregating the components within the ballistic shell, some of the safety concerns during loading the MIC into the ballistic are mitigated. The segregation can be performed by layering the components or by using layered particles. 
     Again, the materials and configuration shown in  FIG. 2  are for illustrative purposes and one skilled in the art will recognize that these components can be varied without departing from the current invention. For example, the binary energetic material may be comprised of two micron powders poorly mixed or it may be comprised of one component, which is a powder while the other component is a solid or liquid. An example would be aluminum foil and bismuth powder. 
     Another embodiment of the current invention utilizes metals that combine to exothermically form intermetallic compounds such as borides, carbides, and aluminides of titanium, zirconium, and nickel. Additional intermetallic compounds such as AlPd, RuAl, TiNi, FeAl, TiB2 also exhibit an exothermic reaction when combined. Generally, intermetallic reactions release minimal gas during their formation. This is advantageous for this invention as the energy release is primarily thermal and may be less likely to detonate the explosive in the IED. Metals that form intermetallic compounds of the current invention usually react in accordance with the following equation
 
 a X+ b Y+ c Z=X bc Y ac Z ab +ΔEnergy
 
     While the reaction equation shows three metals, it could only include two metals as well as three or more metals. For the current invention, the metals are preferably in powdered form with particles at least in the low micron range, more preferably in the submicron range, and most preferably in the nanoscale range. The particles can be loosely or densely compacted within the projectile. Additionally the particles may be segregated in order to reduce the sensitivity during normal handling. 
     Another embodiment of the current invention uses only the oxidizer or one of the metals that exothermically forms an intermetallic compound such that it reacts with the projectile body or the IED casing. For example, bismuth trioxide can be contained within an aluminum projectile such that upon impact, the aluminum projectile body will react with the bismuth trioxide powder. Alternatively, the bismuth trioxide in the projectile, without an aluminum casing, can react with the steel casing of an IED and release energy to neutralize the IED. Another example uses nickel powder within an aluminum projectile body such that the AlNi intermetallic compounds are formed and the released energy neutralizes the IED. 
     Another embodiment of the current invention discloses a novel method to neutralize IED&#39;s, UXO&#39;s and similar ordnance. In this embodiment a projectile containing an energetic material comprising of at least one of MIC, binary energetic material, powdered thermite, or metals that exothermically form intermetallic compounds, or one component of the various material pairs such that it reacts with the projectile body or IED casing is launched into an IED or similar ordnance. Upon impact, the energetic material is initiated without a separate initiating device and the projectile penetrates the IED such that the explosive material within the IED or similar ordnance is exposed to the energetic material. The energetic material reacts at a rate such that the majority of the reaction energy is dissipated within the IED and causes the explosive material to burn or deflagrate rendering the IED or similar ordnance neutralized. 
     For the current embodiments,  FIG. 3  illustrates the physics that the applicants believe may be occurring during neutralization. IED casing  301  contains an explosive material  302 . In  FIG. 3 , the MIC bullet has penetrated the casing  301  producing an opening  310 . The MIC material  320  is shown in the center of the explosive material  302  and releasing energy  321  as depicted by the arrows emanating from the MIC material. Initially, the radius of the MIC material and the cavity are R 1 . At some later time, the explosive material has been burned away to form a cavity of diameter R 2  and while producing gas  315 , which exits opening  310 . The surface expansion of the cavity recedes at the deflagration rate. Moreover, the cavity pressure is relatively low, but the temperature inside the cavity is extremely high. 
     In the invention, the energetic materials are driven to rapid reaction by impact with the IED. The reaction of the components results in extremely high temperatures, however, the reaction pressures are quite modest since the reaction products are typically hot solids and liquids with only small amounts of gas. This highly exothermic, low-gaseous output may be a critical factor in preventing deflagration to detonation transition. The low gas generation is important because if the pressure inside the IED increases rapidly, it can cause any explosive material to detonate. Likewise, the size of the penetration hole in the IED can impact the internal pressure. Generally, a larger hole or multiple holes are desired to allow more gas to escape quicker. 
     Additionally, the high temperature more likely causes the explosive material to combust in a self-propagating manner. An advantage of the thermite formulations, and, more specifically the nano-thermite formulations, are that the reaction temperature is extremely high. Since the heat transfer to the explosive composition is by radiation, which is proportional to T 4 , the radiation heat transfer can be significantly higher that other conventional exothermic formulations. 
     The unique combination of high reaction rates, high reaction temperatures, high density and low gas output provides benefits over the current state of art in IED and UXO neutralization. For example, the high density of the energetic material gives the projectile a high ballistic coefficient comparable to standard bullets. This allows the projectile of the current invention to be fired from conventional firearms from large standoff distances to provide superior protection to personnel. Also, the high ballistic coefficient of the projectile allows for good accuracy at long distances and the ability to penetrate a wide range of IED or UXO casing thicknesses. 
     Because the energetic material reacts upon impact, the current invention requires only one package to both penetrate and neutralize the IED, UXO or other ordnance. Additionally, unlike other methods, it does not require a separate trigger device to activate the energetic material. Moreover, because of the high reaction temperatures, only a small amount of material is required to neutralize a large amount of explosive. 
     While the current invention is intended primarily to neutralize IED&#39;s and UXO&#39;s, one skilled in the art would recognize that the system could also be used against conventional explosive devices, such as land mines, incoming mortars, ballistic missiles, rockets, artillery and other explosive projectiles or devices. 
     The above descriptions have been made by way of preferred examples, and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the methods and compositions disclosed in the examples merely represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments described and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.