Muri understanding multi-scale non-equilibrium energy transfers in the initiation of energetic materials. ONR white paper tracking number: 24-000007385

The Office of Naval Research awarded the University of Iowa $1.264 million on October 1, 2025, under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300) to lead a multidisciplinary university research initiative investigating multi-scale non-equilibrium energy transfers in energetic materials through September 30, 2028. Performance occurs in Iowa.

The research integrates theory and experiments to understand nano-scale energy transport processes, pathways, and interfacial interactions underlying the initiation of energetic materials. The team combines multi-scale simulation, quantum molecular dynamics, phonon theory, atomic force microscopy, high-speed X-ray diagnostics, X-ray and neutron scattering, and ultrafast spectroscopy to study phonon propagation, phonon upconversion, and energy transport through both homogeneous energetic crystals and heterogeneous systems. Work addresses non-equilibrium energy carriers including shocks, phonons, electrons, and photons, and explores reaction energy release, propagation, and dissipation at atomic scales.

The University of Iowa passes funding to Pennsylvania State University, Stanford University, Rice University, and UC Berkeley. Pennsylvania State University studies energy transport and reaction propagation in homogeneous and heterogeneous energetic systems including RDX crystals, aluminum/aluminum oxide systems, and crystal-graphene combinations. Stanford University investigates detonation physics characterized by multi-phase non-equilibrium energy transfer and non-Born-Oppenheimer behaviors in condensed-matter systems. Rice University pursues nano-scale energy transport and interfacial interactions using multi-scale simulation and experimental diagnostics. UC Berkeley employs attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study phonon generation and propagation at early time scales using surrogates for energetic materials.