A Hypersonic Environmental Testbed for Affordable and Standardized Materials Strength Testing

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to refine and then implement the design of a compact, low cost hypersonic materials mechanical strength (HMMS) testbed capable of in-situ tensile strength measurements of materials exposed to a simulated hypersonic environment.  The testbed design combines PSI’s hypersonic materials testbed technology and associated diagnostics with a universal vacuum interface compatible with any universal testing machine UTM with a minimum horizontal frame span greater than 16-in.  After constructing and completing initial functionality tests, the testbed capability will be demonstrated with carbon-carbon, ceramic matrix composite and other material test articles of interest to the Navy.  The goal of the material testing will be to demonstrate performance meeting or exceeding Threshold key performance parameters (KPPs) defined with input from Navy personnel.  During a proposed Phase II Option program, PSI will upgrade the semi-automated control software developed for the testbed in the base program to enable time varying control of process parameters.  The testbed will be delivered to the Navy during the Option program.