An approach to composite materials development is planned that reduces substantially the cost of conducting studies required to optimize materials selection for demanding service conditions. although applicable to many areas of advanced composite materials development, the approach is optimized for… More

This project will evaluate the effect of accelerators, flexibilizers, and metallic and nonmetallic residual elements on the cryogenic fatigue life of insulating materials used in superconducting magnets. these additives alter the chemical structure of epoxy-resin systems and thuswill affect the… More

The materials currently used for radio frequency (rf) feedthrough insulators are inadequate for future fusion devices such as the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (iter). these monolithic ceramics will lose their dielectric strength, and swell in the neutron fluences expected in… More

50770-98-I Innovative, Low Viscosity, Radiation-Resistant Insulation Systems for Fusion Magnets--Composite Technology Development, Inc., 1505 Coal Creek Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026-2782; (303) 664-0394 Dr. Naseem A. Munshi, Principal Investigator Dr. Naseem A. Munshi, Business Official DOE Grant… More

Not Available Multifunctional cored composites have created the opportunity to design lighter, environmentally resistant and stealthier structures for use in the topside Navy. Typical multilayer applications, such as for the AEM/S, LPD 17 and DD21 platforms have challenged both the structural… More

Not Available Multifunctional cored composites have created the opportunity to design lighter, environmentally resistant and stealthier structures for use in the topside Navy. Typical multilayer applications, such as for the AEM/S, LPD 17 and DD21 platforms have challenged both the structural… More

CTD proposes to continue the development and demonstration of Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) hinges for deployable spacecraft components. Prototype EMC hinges fabricated in Phase I met or exceeded all feasibility demonstration testing goals. Thefeasibility of this approach was conclusively… More

65496 Future fusion magnet systems, as well as high energy physics (HEP) superconducting magnets, require the use of insulation systems capable of withstanding significant mechanical loads at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures, while also enduring high doses of radiation. New magnet designs… More

60742 Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either will not meet these requirements, or will… More

60742 Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either will not meet these requirements, or will… More

70312 In many next-step fusion magnet designs, the shear strength of the insulation and its adhesion to the conductor are limiting factors. These designs require significant changes (such as applying large compressive loads or increasing part cross-sections) to accommodate the low… More

65496 Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either will not meet these requirements, or will… More

65496 Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either will not meet these requirements, or will… More

"CTD will develop and demonstrate an engineered composite material specifically for use in cryogenic liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks. This effort will provide a composite material with acceptable and well-understood LOX compatibility and suitable mechanicalproperties. CTD will identify and screen… More

"Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) proposes to develop and demonstrate an innovative method for providing wireless actuation energy to smart deployment and release devices incorporating CTDOs Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) material. In Phase I,CTD will demonstrate the feasibility of the… More

"CTD will develop and demonstrate an engineered composite material for use in cryogenic pressure vessels. This effort will provide a composite material that does not microcrack and has suitable properties. Candidate composite materials will be designed.Test laminates will be fabricated and tested… More

"Spacecraft require a variety of separation and release devices to accomplish mission-related functions. Composite Technology Development, Inc. and Starsys Research Corporation propose to develop and demonstrate an innovative, non-pyrotechnic, shocklessretention and release device called the… More

"Composite Technology Development, Inc. and Northwestern University propose to develop the smart materials technology, manufacturing processes and engineering methods that will enable the design and fabrication of reliable, robust and economical thin,lightweight deployable composite mirrors for… More

The proposed work aims to develop, characterize and demonstrate a novel and highly innovative engineering method for lightweight, microcrack-resistant, all-composite tanks used in the mixing, storage and transport of harsh chemicals. The work will focuson the development of novel toughened,… More

72336S03-I Newly designed and proposed fusion magnet systems will require electrical insulation capable of withstanding high temperatures and high doses of radiation. Due to the lack of cost effective insulation systems that meet these criteria, many new magnet systems are being designed around… More

70312S02-II Magnet insulation materials, used in many Next-Step Option fusion research devices, will be subjected to high stresses at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Unfortunately, at high stress levels, their low shear strength and their inability to adhere to the copper conductors… More

72206S03-I Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as both cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either: (1) do not meet these requirements; or (2)… More

The proposed work aims to develop, characterize and demonstrate a novel and highly innovative hybrid material system for lightweight, linerless all-composite tanks used in the mixing, storage and transport of harsh chemicals. The proposed effort willfocus on the development and characterization of… More

Future Space-Based Laser (SBL) weapons and high-resolution imaging systems will incorporate large, deployable reflectors that must efficiently package for launch. However, the use of deployment mechanisms can severely affect the dimensional stability ofthese structures. Composite Technology… More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel hybrid composite material for application to lightweight chemical storage tanks for MDA applications. In Phase I, CTD will address the key feasibility issues for thenovel hybrid material, including long-term… More

70312S02-II Magnet insulation materials, used in many Next-Step Option fusion research devices, will be subjected to high stresses at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Unfortunately, at high stress levels, their low shear strength and their inability to adhere to the copper conductors… More

In this Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) and our Research Institution partner North Dakota State University (NDSU) propose to implement a integrated systematic approach to designingreusable composite tanks for ABL applications. … More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. proposes to develop and demonstrate a unique and innovative large moment arm propulsive Attitude Control System (ACS) for small satellites, incorporating an Elastic Memory Composite deployable boom with amicro-propulsion thruster at its tip. The proposed Phase… More

72206-Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as both cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either: (1) do not meet these requirements; or (2)… More

In Phase I, Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) began development of an innovative new type of material that will become the key enabling technology for linerless composite tanks. In Phase II, CTD proposes to continue and expand the material development and characterization effort,… More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) will work jointly with Lockheed Martin Astronautics Company (LMAC) to develop innovative, high-efficiency Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) structural components, such as deployment hinges and booms, for the PowerSail system. These hinges and booms will be… More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) proposes to optimize the deployment, packaging and control of an Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) deployable boom for the FalconSat-3 mission. In Phase I, CTD will optimize the deployment, packaging and control of the EMC boom longeron through the design,… More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) proposes to develop a high strength, high stiffness longeron incorporating CTD's TEMBOT Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) material, which could be used as the main structural element in a wide variety of furlable truss boom designs. The proposed longeron… More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) proposes to develop unique new composite materials that can meet the microcrack resistance, impermeability, and thermal stability requirements of lightweight, linerless composite pipes for cryogenic applications.

In Phase I, we will identify baseline PNC capabilities and fabricate promising shape recovery PNCs. We will evaluate shape recovery performance, force exerted, energy recovery efficiency, strain recovery, actuation energy, operating temperature range, and reproducibility. We will also explore… More

Composite Technology Development, Inc. proposes to develop a multi-continuum finite element analysis (FEA) code for highly strained EMC materials. The multi-continuum analysis approach will allow extraction of stress and strain fields for the composite matrix and reinforcement fiber, in the course… More

In Phase I, CTD will identify design and operational requirements for linerless composite tanks, and will define structural analysis approaches for these tanks incorporating Multi-Continuum Theory (MCT). CTD will use MCT in conjunction with conventional structural analysis to predict the damage… More

75747-Newly designed and proposed fusion magnet systems will require electrical insulation capable of withstanding high temperatures and high radiation doses. The lack of cost-effective, radiation-resistant insulation systems is compromising the design and operation of these devices. Therefore,… More

In Phase II, CTD will continue to develop and scale-up key TEMBOr Elastic Memory Composite materials and fabrication technologies developed in the FalconSat-3 boom Phase I program, including laminate fabrication, embedded heater design, and packaging technologies, for application to future AFRL… More

In Phase II program, Composite Technology Development, Inc. proposes to develop TEMBOr Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) structural elements, such as longerons, battens, and fittings, for next-generation deployable spacecraft structures. CTD will define advanced EMC deployable boom concepts, derive… More

In Phase II, Composite Technology Development, Inc. proposes to develop and validate innovative designs for Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) components and the array structural system of the 2008 PowerSail technology flight demonstration mission. This program will provide a significant demonstration… More

The primary focus of the proposed Phase II effort is to further understand the BiPolymericT phenomenon, thus enabling increased deployment capabilities, and the engineering of BiPolymericT solid-state actuators and mechanisms suitable for practical use. The proposed effort includes material… More

In Phase II, CTD proposes to expand the current ability of Multi-Continuum Theory, an innovative approach for modeling the nonlinear constitutive and failure behavior of Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) materials, to predict key EMC material behaviors, such as fiber microbuckling, deployment energy,… More

78469S Downhole heaters, capable of long-term 900¿C operation, are needed to assist in oil shale recovery. Currently available mineral-insulated (MI) cables are not capable of surviving the temperature or downhole environmental conditions encountered in this application. Additionally, the… More

78092S High performance, wind-before-react magnet insulation systems, which enable the use of thinner insulation for close packing of the conductor and can withstand high radiation loads, are needed for future accelerator magnets such as the Large Hadron Collider project. However, the most… More

78759S Fusion magnets require insulation materials that possess high shear strength, excellent electrical insulation characteristics, and radiation resistance. Improvements in insulation technology can contribute to improved magnet performance, and will enable scientists and engineers to overcome… More

The proposed Phase II program will continue to develop and refine the Multicontinuum Theory (MCT)-based analytical approach for predicting progressive microcracking damage and permeability in linerless composite tanks. The permeability of representative subscale components will be measured to… More

75747S Newly designed and proposed fusion magnet systems will require electrical insulation capable of withstanding high temperatures and high radiation doses. The lack of cost-effective, radiation-resistant insulation systems is compromising the design and operation of these devices. Therefore,… More

The proposed program will develop and demonstrate an innovative concept for achieving bi-morphing shape control in composite panels and structural elements, through the use of TEMBOr BiPolymericT actuator technology. The concept represents a novel adaptation of Elastic Memory Composite technology… More

Downhole heaters capable of long-term high-temperature operation are needed to assist in oil shale recovery. However, currently available, mineral insulated (MI) cables are not capable of surviving the temperature or other downhole environmental conditions encountered in this application. This… More

High-field accelerator magnets based on niobium-tin superconductor technology are planned for use in several U.S. high energy physics programs. The use of these materials requires a high-temperature process to complete the production of the coil. As part of the process, a ceramic insulating layer… More

This Phase I SBIR program will assess the suitability of using nano-reinforced polymer resins in carbon-fiber-reinforced composite materials for the reflective surface of advanced large-aperture space radar and/or communication reflectors. These materials will provide high thermal stability and… More

In Phase I, Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a linerless composite cryogenic tank design that will help reduce the system weight and increase the fuel carrying capability of airships or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thus enabling Air Force… More

In recent years there has been significant interest in developing morphing air vehicles that would be able to fly efficiently over a wide range of flight regimes to meet new mission profiles. Though morphing-wing concepts have been around for many years, it has been determined that conventional… More

High-field magnets, used in particle accelerators for high energy physics research, require insulation materials that can be processed at elevated temperatures (600 to 900 C) and withstand exposure to high levels of radiation during operation. This project will develop and demonstrate a… More

The U.S. Navy has significant interest in the development of composite materials which substantially improve the performance of composite propulsor blades. Improvements in erosion resistance (e.g., cavitation, rain, and sand) and impact durability are of particular interest. These improvements… More

The U.S. Navy has significant interest in the development of advanced, lightweight structural concepts for the next generation of Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV) that enable enhanced operation performance. In particular, these structural concepts must provide reduced weight and life-cycle costs with… More

The Department of Energy is developing a series of machines that will further advance the nation¿s fusion energy program. The magnets used in these systems will require advanced insulation solutions, in order to allow for operation at elevated temperatures and in high-radiation environments. The… More

The U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with several industry participants, is developing power-distribution systems based on second generation (2G) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires. Over the past few years, U.S. industry has made considerable improvements in the electrical… More

CTD proposes to investigate the deployment repeatability and microdynamic stability of a hinge and demonstration this repeatability in a deployable mirror test article, which incorporates the proposed precision self-locking hinge actuator. If successful, the proposed device will be substantially… More

In this Phase II SBIR program, CTD will design lightweight, composite satellite bus structures with integrated tanks and pressure vessels. Two key areas of technology will be developed and exploited to bring these lightweight bus structures to fruition. One is the development of an integrated tank… More

The overarching objective of the proposed Phase II is to increase the technology readiness level to enable technology insertion at the conclusion of the Phase II effort. During Phase II, efforts will focus on the optimization of novel adaptive materials enabling future morphing aircraft… More

Superconductors such as Nb3Sn and MgB2 are being considered for use in several government and commercial magnet systems. These materials require high-temperature reaction processes at temperatures on the order of 600 to 700°C. Electrical insulation materials that can withstand the… More

Current deployable solar array systems are based on designs that have been in existence for more than 30 years. In general, these heritage designs can be divided into two classes: 1) hinged-panel arrays, which are mechanically simple but mass inefficient, and 2) tensioned-membrane arrays, which are… More

Future Air Force satellites will require large aperture RF antennas for various missions in communications, signals intelligence, and Radar. At the same time, Operation Responsive Space (ORS) is striving to develop small satellite technology to provide flexibility and adaptability to meet new and… More

The U.S. Air Force has significant interest in the development of adaptive structures for micro munition platforms. However, power, mass and cost constraints significantly limits the applicability of existing adaptive structure concepts for these smaller platforms. To address these challenges, CTD… More

The primary objective of this program is the investigation of new approaches to achieve well-dispersed ultrahigh loading of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in structural resins for advanced composites. "Well-dispersed" means CNTs that are optimally dispersed for achieving desired properties like strength,… More

The use of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials in aero-engine hot-section components has grown substantially over recent decades. Attributes that make these materials attractive to aero-engine designers include their lower specific weight, higher creep resistance, higher thermoshock resistance… More

Existing communications systems for spacecraft provide a choice between either large aperture (>3m) or high frequency (>X-band), but not both. These systems use either deployable mesh reflectors, which are limited in their operating frequency by the facets and RF reflectivity of the mesh itself, or… More

The U.S. Navy has significant interest in the development of composite materials that substantially improve the performance of composite propulsor blades. Improvements in erosion resistance (e.g., cavitation, rain, and sand), impact durability and high-cycle fatigue are of particular interest. … More

The U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with several industry participants, is developing power-distribution systems based on second generation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires and cables. U.S. industry has made considerable improvements in the electrical performance and… More

The U.S. Department of Energy is developing geothermal power production as an environmentally-clean, renewable energy source. For this technology to be commercially viable, several technologies are needed to enable long-term, reliable operation of the well pumps in the downhole environment. This… More

The U.S. has an inadequate capability to precisely calibrate ground and space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sensors (U.S. SOSI system) with objects of known signatures. There is a need for a low cost, space-based capability that provides simultaneous electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR),… More

Under this and several other programs, CTD has developed TEMBOREG deployable solid-surface reflectors (TEMBOREG Reflectors) to provide future NASA and Air Force missions and commercial communications satellites with large RF apertures that can operate at very high operational frequencies (Ka band… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop and demonstrate flame-resistant, polymer-composite materials based on novel benzoxazine resin chemistries. Recent work by Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) has shown that thermosetting polymer resins based on these… More

The primary objective of this program is the further development of ultrahigh-loaded carbon nanotube (CNT) polymer composites as next-generation structural materials. In Phase II, Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) and The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) propose significant… More

The U.S. Air Force has significant interest in the development of adaptive structures for micro munition platforms. However, power, mass and cost constraints significantly limits the applicability of existing adaptive structure concepts for these smaller platforms. To address these challenges, CTD… More

Current deployable solar array systems are based on designs that have been in existence for more than 30 years. In general, these heritage designs can be divided into two classes: 1) hinged-panel arrays, which are mechanically simple but mass inefficient, and 2) tensioned-membrane arrays, which are… More

The DOE is interested in the development of efficient tidal turbine systems to help meet the future energy needs of the United States. State-of-the-art tidal turbine systems feature composite tidal turbine blades. Unfortunately, composite materials possess questionable durability characteristics… More

Geothermal energy has the potential to provide a significant source of clean, renewable energy for the United States. However, for geothermal energy to be economically viable, advanced technologies are needed to enable the transport of geothermal fluids to the surface from depths on the order of 3… More

Operational satellites are at risk from a growing threat of orbital debris generated by satellite explosions and collisions. There are currently 19,000 objects larger than 10 cm being currently tracked by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network and an estimated 500,000 particles between 1 and 10 cm in… More

The proposed innovation is targeted at inexpensive and operationally responsive nanosatellite platforms with a total stowed volume of 32cm x 20cm x 20cm or less. Such technologies currently suffer from limited functionality due to undesirable power constraints. The proposed innovation is an… More

The U.S. has an inadequate capability to precisely calibrate ground and space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sensors (U.S. SOSI system) with objects of known signatures. There is a need for a low cost, space-based capability that provides simultaneous electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR),… More

Next-generation cruisers being developed under the U.S. Navy's CG(X) program will have significantly higher power demands than the current Ticonderoga-class vessels. Therefore, this proposed program will address the need for low-cost, high-power-density cables based on HTS technology. It is… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop and demonstrate flame-resistant, polymer-composite materials based on novel benzoxazine resin chemistries. In the Phase I project, low-viscosity benzoxazine resins were synthesized and composite formulations prepared… More

There is a need for transportable alternative energy systems capable of providing 5 - 50 kW of renewable electric power. The proposed Portable Array Module (PAM) meets this need, promising a new age of energy production and storage in situations where highly reliable energy sources must be… More

The U.S. Navy has significant interest in the development of advanced material enabling shock mitigation in LCS-module connections systems. Composite Technology Development (CTD) proposes a multidisciplinary approach to develop and qualify novel, polymer materials for incorporation into… More

The United States

The U.S. Department of Energy is developing technologies to expand and improve the U.S.

NASA intends to place small spacecraft (<100kg) and very small spacecraft (<15kg) into a variety of orbits. Methods and technologies are needed to intentionally de-orbit these spacecraft at end of mission, or upon loss of control and function. CTD has developed a family of highly mass… More

Magnetometers are the most common instrument flown on NASA science missions and interference from onboard electronics requires that these instruments be deployed away from the spacecraft. Particle sensors and electric field sensors can have similar requirements creating a significant need for… More

NASA is seeking innovative structure technologies that will advance expandable exploration space modules and surface based habitats. To address this need CTD has proposed to develop multi-functional, highly mass efficient deployable composite structures. These composite structures will build upon… More

The United States contributions to ITER include the design, development, and construction of the Central Solenoid magnet system. A key challenge in the fabrication of this device is providing electrically insulating the penetrations through which helium enters the magnet system. The proposed… More

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Air Force is seeking high-thermal conductivity gaskets to improve the thermal efficiency of space-based electronic systems. Advanced gasket materials will enhance the performance of electronic packages by improving heat dissipation during operation. Moreover, thermal management… More

Radomes are key components of future Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) systems and are aboard almost every surface vessel in the Navy. These structures provide protection for the radar face, but the long-term instability of existing radome materials can interfere with the transmission and… More

Deep submersibles that reach the deepest part of the ocean, such as the Human Occupied Deep Submersible Vehicle Alvin (Alvin), rely on syntactic buoyancy foam to return to the surface. Alvin is currently capable of reaching depths of up to 4500 meters, which allows for the exploration of… More

The CubeSat Articulated Solar Array (CASA) will enable 3U CubeSats to carry large, sun-tracking arrays generating 50W of on-orbit average power. This represents a tenfold increase in available power over CubeSats with body mounted solar panels. Insufficient power is one of the key limitations… More

Next-generation warships under development by the U.S. Navy will have significantly higher power demands than those in the current fleet. The additional power is needed to support the advanced radar, weapons, and propulsion systems, and the distribution of shipboard power will require a significant… More

There is a need for transportable alternative energy systems capable of providing renewable electric power. The proposed Portable Array Module (PAM) meets this need, promising a new age of sustainable clean energy production and portability in situations where highly reliable energy sources must be… More

NASA is seeking innovative structure technologies that will advance expandable modules for orbital and surface based habitats. These secondary structures must increase utilization of the primary pressurized volumes by accommodating hardware, experiments, storage space, and cable routing. The… More

The next generation of launch vehicles under development by NASA requires significant mass reduction to fully meet mission and performance needs. For example, NASA is aiming to create a new generation of heavy-lift launch vehicles to support both human spaceflight and space exploration missions. … More

The United States Department of Energy is developing several devices to advance the development of fusion energy. Key components of these systems are the large, complex magnet systems used to shape and confine the plasma. Electrical insulations are needed to ensure that these magnets operate… More

Very high power transistorized RF amplifiers are promising for future DOE accelerators including Project X and others, but the complexity and cost must be reduced. The concept under investigation is effectively scalable to megawatt power levels. A novel solid-state amplifier based on an integrated… More

Pulsed Power delivery has been an ongoing development area for DOE for a number of years, since the klystron modulators represent a substantial segment of the budget for any new accelerator, synchrotron, or light source. DTI has been at the forefront of this development, and has fielded hundreds of… More

ABSTRACT: The Phase II SBIR program aims to fabricate, test and qualify carbon nanotube based thermal interface materials (TIMs) suitable for use on an Air Force spacecraft mission. Traditional TIMs consist of filled epoxies or rubbers that can be hazardous, time-consuming, and difficult to rework… More

Radomes are key components of future Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) systems and are aboard almost every surface vessel in the Navy. These structures provide protection for the radar face, but the long-term environmental instability of existing radome materials can interfere with the… More

There is a need for transportable alternative energy systems capable of providing renewable electric power. The proposed Portable Array Module (PAM) meets this need, promising a new age of sustainable clean energy production and portability in situations where highly reliable energy sources must be… More