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The Safe handling of powdered composite energetic materials requires an understanding of their response to electrostatic discharge (ESD) ignition stimuli. To improve the safety of energetic materials, it is important to focus on and minimize characteristics of the reaction that promote sensitivity to ESD while still maintaining high performance in combustion. This body of work investigates the ignition response of composite energetic materials to ESD by examining various parameters including electrical conductivity, packing density, and ignition delay.

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Eric Collins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University Idaho. He was awarded a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University for research in combustion of energetic materials. His research interest is in the area of thermal science, with emphasis in heat transfer and combustion.

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