Due to "accidents, and the subsequent loss of human life, cost of repairing and replacing material, and the toll taken on operational readiness and capability, Insensitive Munitions (IM) improvements are mandated by law in the U.S."[2] Three approaches are taken when designing insensitive munitions: Firstly, the high energy device can be protected and transported with an external protection of some kind.
Secondly, the chemistry of the high energy fill is chosen to provide a higher degree of stability, for example by using plastic bonded explosives.
Modeling programs are being designed to simulate the threat of bullet and fragment impact in an effort to reduce testing costs.
One of the most promising methods that engineers and scientists within the U.S. Department of Defense are employing to help to enhance IM performance is by using advanced multiphysics modeling programs.
[4] This IHE has been tested and proven to be a safer alternative within large-caliber projectiles currently utilized by the Army and Marine Corps.
Within the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Safety Administration, the term IHE has very specific meaning.