Electrochemical development of graded density materials for ramp loading

The utilization of electrodeposition to coat materials onto surfaces of various characteristics
encompasses a plethora of beneficial applications. Over the past decade, this method has evolved
to include many advancements in both processing and production. Through novel
electrochemistry, we have been developing methods to produce graded density impactor (GDI)
materials for ramp wave loading. Our efforts have included both atomically mixed metals through
thickness, investigation of polymer-metal gradients, and a combination that involves deposition of
materials in specific geometrical configurations.

Here, we will describe our efforts on the geometrical approach in more detail. Ongoing work
includes the use of direct current to deposit high-z metals onto a shielded metal substrate with
intentions of patterning shaped deposits. The shield employed to this exploratory approach limits
the flow of ions during deposition restricting the rate and direction of metal deposition. This
process allows for the production of GDI materials by subsequent deposition of low-z materials in
a complementary configuration, thus achieving a compositional density range spanning the whole
periodic table. Geometrical design and materials selection thus enable tailored ramp profiles.