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Net Shape Molding of Monolithic Complex-shaped Damage-Tolerant Cryo-Insulators

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX13CC31P
Agency Tracking Number: 124801
Amount: $118,217.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: H2.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-05-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2013-11-23
Small Business Information
PA
West Chester, PA 19382-5466
United States
DUNS: 005704665
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Ray Armat
 Principal Investigator
 (610) 388-1264
 rarmat@appliedanalytic.com
Business Contact
 Rita Funchion
Title: Business Official
Phone: (610) 388-1264
Email: President@appliedanalytic.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Passive thermal control of cryogenic systems using foam insulations can help achieve Zero Boil-Off (ZBO). There is as much thermal energy transferred to Cryo tanks during the ascent phase as there is during 6 days of orbital operations using MLIs.Spray on Foam Insulation (SOFI) still suffers from drawbacks both at chemistry and interfacial (bonding) levels. Currently, strong lightweight polymeric foam insulators cannot be (net shape) molded into larger complex shapes, using commercial foaming practices. The proposed Phase 1 research studies feasibility of an inventive (unprecedented) combination of processing and "green" foaming agents to "net-shape" mold low density robust (damage/MMOD tolerant) polymeric insulation foams into "monolithic" complex shapes (such as spherical or cylindrical shells, valve fittings). These can protect polymer matrix composite (PMC) tanks (such as COPVs) against external damages, hence enabling reliable, reusable cryogenic storage designs.An added advantage of this invention is the "clean" decomposition of the blowing agent and development of an environmentally "green" insulative "net-shape" foaming technology.

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

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