Materials and Life Cycle Sustainability

In this MDA Phase I SBIR program, MATECH proposes to demonstrate the life cycle sustainability of ultra-high temperature (UHT), very low erosion, carbon fiber zirconium oxy-carbide ceramic matrix composite (Cf-ZrOCm CMC), developed under prior MDA SBIR funding, for advanced aerostructures with integrated thermal protection systems (TPS). This Cf-ZrOCm CMC has demonstrated high temperature erosion resistance (arc jet, LHMEL), very large and complex low conductivity (<2W/m-C), rain erosion survival (nylon bead at AMRDEC) and can be net shape formed into missile structure components, like the Strake leading edge (SLE), while reducing weight by 68% of the baseline Inconel part. In this Phase I, MATECH proposes to conduct material life cycle and sustainability evaluations to demonstrate Cf-ZrOCm CMC"s robustness to life cycle environmental exposures and performance in mission relevant conditions. In the subsequent Phase II program, should it be awarded, MATECH will complete a test matrix developed with our partners to meet PDR requirements and propose to conduct sled testing to validate hot erosion capabilities bringing this material to TRL5. This MDA Phase I proposal benefits from the active participation and support of Raytheon Missile Systems (Tucson, AZ) and Lockheed Martin Co. (Palmdale, CA).