Thin-Walled HfN Components for KKV Divert and Attitude Control Systems

During this Phase 2 program, which has been submitted under Pre-2002 MDA Phase 2 Guidelines, we propose to transition the status of potentially ultrahigh temperature-capable, highly cost-effective, HfN-based monolithic ceramics and cermets (two-phase ceramic + metallic) materials from the laboratory scale to engineering status. It is our hope and expectation that follow-on funding for our Phase 1 program will meet current and future MDA propulsion requirements associated with exoatmospheric KKV missile intercept missions. The thermomechanical and dynamic behavior of this new class of ultrahigh temperature materials will be characterized in order to ascertain that they can meet MDA mission requirement via the continued fabrication and testing of a variety of coupon and SDACS subcomponent type articles over the life of the Phase 2 efforts. Continuing HfN and HfN cermet test efforts planned during the program will encompass thermomechanical property measurements, simulated SDACS propellant and rocket nozzle liner testing at both government and prime contractor facilities. We have assembled a strong, well-balanced, Phase 2 program team that includes propulsion primes such as ATK Elkton DLV Operations and Pratt and Whitney Space Propulsion, thermostructural analysis specialists at Materials Research & Design and high temperature materials experts at the Southern Research Institute.