Purdue Energetics Research Center
The Purdue Energetics Research Center (PERC) focuses on comprehensive energetic materials research "from molecules to munitions." Through cutting-edge fundamental and applied research, PERC addresses existing and emerging explosives-based needs for civilian and military infrastructure, commerce and aviation. It also supports the U.S. need for more stable, less sensitive and more easily processed energetic materials including propellants, pyrotechnics and in ordnance. PERC has enjoyed support from nearly every agency within the U.S. defense sector.
To drive the field of energetic materials forward through our ideas, our students, and our partnerships.
What's Trending
Jiselle Thornby, PhD in chemical engineering, defends PhD, lands position at top defense company
February 28, 2025
Jiselle Thornby, PhD in chemical engineering, successfully defended her dissertation, "From Dust to Deposition: Development and Characterization of 3D-Printed Surrogate Energetic Materials," in November 2024. Below, she goes into more detail about her research and her plans for the future.
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Mechanical engineering researcher Monique McClain develops state-of-the-art processes to tailor-make energetic materials
February 25, 2025
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has become a staple area of study across engineering disciplines because of its potential to revolutionize the design and production of a variety of materials and structures. Monique McClain, assistant professor in Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering, has dedicated her career to more efficiently developing high-quality and high-performing 3D-printed energetic materials, such as explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants, that can be fine-tuned for performance and safety.
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The Purdue Energetic Materials Summit (PEMS)
February 10, 2025
Since 2017, the biennial Purdue Energetic Materials Summit (PEMS) technical exchange has provided a stimulating venue for open discussion of state-of-the-art and emerging challenges associated with energetic materials. Thought leaders from across industry, government, and academia have gathered to share their expertise and develop a vision for the future. We look forward to continuing this tradition and ensuring that the vision is realized. The next PEMS will be held from September 23-26, 2025. Click here for more details!
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The Purdue Energetics Research Center - Energetics Talent Showcase (PERC-ETS)
January 27, 2025
Since 2017, the biennial Purdue Energetic Materials Summit (PEMS) technical exchange has provided a stimulating venue for open discussion of state-of-the-art and emerging challenges associated with energetic materials. Thought leaders from across industry, government, and academia have gathered to share their expertise and develop a vision for the future. We look forward to continuing this tradition and ensuring that the vision is realized. The next PERC-ETS will be held on September 22-23, 2025. Click here for more details!
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Defense Innovation PEI to meet national security challenges on the world stage
October 1, 2024
Purdue University has always had a resolute focus on serving those who serve our country, and its commitment to national security is paramount as a land-grant university. Purdue is now further strengthening its endeavors as a thought leader for national security and defense by announcing Defense Innovation, its newest Purdue Engineering Initiative (PEI).
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Opinion: The U.S. Needs A New Push In Energetic Materials
October 1, 2024
With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in its third year, much attention has been paid to the West’s diminishing stockpile of weapons. Manufacturers have scrambled to increase production—or in some cases, restart production—of weapons that have proven vital to Ukraine’s defense. Dire warnings have been issued that we are rapidly depleting weapons stockpiles that our own military might require. At the same time, there are concerns that industry is not positioned to meet the increasing demand for rocket engines, driven in part by plans to produce large numbers of hypersonic weapons.
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Birck Nanotechnology Center
The Birck Nanotechnology Center is an interdisciplinary research center that provides infrastructure for more than 150 faculty members and their research groups. The research center includes the Dynamic Analysis of Micro-and Nanosystems Laboratory, a world-class facility focused on sensor development and small-scale materials characterization.
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FLEX Lab
The FLEX Lab is designed to adapt to the creative and innovative needs of engineering professors and their students. Its wet lab, dry lab and open spaces enable teams to collaborate on interdisciplinary research and discovery. FLEX Lab primarily supports PERC's synthesis, formulation and chemical analysis research.
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Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories
The Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories provides infrastructure for approximately 15 faculty members and their research groups. Zucrow's seven buildings and 22 labs have a rich, 65-year history of graduate education and fundamental and applied engineering research in energetics, rocket propulsion, combustion and turbomachinery. Zucrow primarily supports PERC's formulation, additive manufacturing, combustion and diagnostics research.
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