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Development of Durable, Fiber-Reinforced Refractory Composites for Thermal Protection Systems (TPSs)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-06-C-5009
Agency Tracking Number: F051-137-0227
Amount: $276,662.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF05-137
Solicitation Number: 2005.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-05-09
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2008-09-09
Small Business Information
5 Morin Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
United States
DUNS: 048268890
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Benjamin Dwyer
 Engineer/Scientist
 (207) 282-5911
 bdwyer@fibermaterialsinc.com
Business Contact
 David Audie
Title: Senior Contracts Administ
Phone: (207) 282-5911
Email: govt@fibermaterialsinc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Next-generation endo/exoatmospheric hypersonic vehicles require durable thermal protection systems (TPSs) for leading edges, control surfaces and skin acreage that are resistant to impact damage. Multilayered material systems are in development to meet the TPS aero-thermal and mechanical attachment requirements of the next-generation hypersonic vehicles. The aeroshell is a quasi-isotropic, two-dimensional (2D), carbon fiber reinforced carbon matrix (C/C) laminate composite coated with silicon carbide (SiC). Backing the 2D C/C-SiC aeroshell are layers of varying density foam filled with phase change material for thermal management. Current 2D C/C-SiC composites tend to delaminate when subjected to debris impact due to insufficient interlaminar shear strength that can result in progressive and catastrophic failure, especially under fatigue or high loading conditions. This proposed Phase II program will design, fabricate and characterize vertical, through-thickness reinforced C/C-SiC aeroshell materials for leading edge applications. An iterative model-design-analysis approach will be used to generate a geometrically-shaped leading edge structure that will be fabricated and assessed by testing under representative conditions. A successful program will provide technology benefits resulting from an improved TPS architecture with low/high velocity impact resistance, the ability to integrate existing substrate materials, and a predictive modeling tool for use in continued TPS leading edge development.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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