SBIR-STTR Award

Lightweight and high performance miniature kill vehicle interceptors are required for interceptor systems, such as the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV), being developed by MDA. A lightweight interceptor structure is a critical component required to integrate component and subsystems and provide the structural strength and stiffness to meet the overall interceptor performance requirements. Conventional light-weighting approaches use graphite fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite materials to provide structural performance. Typically, parasitic weight is then added to the structure to provide additional subsystem functionalities, such as EMI shielding and thermal management for electronic housings. Lighter weight and lower cost miniature interceptors can be provided by incorporating structural, thermal, electrical, and radiation shielding functionality in multi-functional composite structures. Vector has demonstrated the use of Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) composite structures manufacturing technology for the fabrication of lower cost and higher performance precision, complex interceptor structures using hybrid designs of graphite composites and metallic materials to incorporate these multi-functional properties. The next generation of multi-functional composite structures will use nano-materials technology instead of hybrid design approaches. The Vector team includes Applied Science Inc. (ASI), a world leader in carbon nano-fiber (CNF) materials technology development and production, and Nanosperse, Inc. (NSI), a world leader in nano-composite resin technology development. ASI’s milled CNF and NSI’s nano-resin technologies have been shown to significantly improve mechanical, thermal, electrical, and radiation hardness properties of polymer composite structures. The proposed program will combine these nano-materials technologies with Vector’s RTM manufacturing process to demonstrate nano-composite manufacturing technology for multi-functional lightweight composite structures for miniature kill vehicle interceptor structures

Keywords:
Composites, Multifunctional, Nanotechnology, Nanofibers, Lightweigh, Mkv, Thermal Management Electronics

Blah Blah BlahLightweight, high performance interceptor subsystems are required for the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) program. Improvement of multi-functional properties for structures used in the Carrier Vehicle and Sunshade improve mass and CG-Moment of Inertia properties that have a direct bearing on cross-range and agility. By integrating nano-composites in situ or applying them topically as a co-cured film, parasitic weight associated with thermal management, electrical properties, and improved structural and shielding performance is eradicated. Significant improvements in multi-functional properties of nano-composites have been demonstrated in laboratory environments, but have only gotten limited exposure in industry. The Proposed Phase II effort leverages an additional $500k Ohio Regional Commercialization Program effort for nano-coatings as well as an internally funded $100k IR&D effort to develop manufacturing methods using dispersed nano-films. The Vanguard team includes Applied Sciences Inc. (ASI), a world leading carbon nano-fiber (CNF) materials developer and producer, and Nanosperse, Inc. (NSI), a novel nano-composite resin technology developer. The team will develop interleaved and topically co-cured, as well as autoclave nano-preg manufacturing methods. A database of multi-functional material properties will be established and a demonstration test article relevant to the MKV program will be fabricated for inspection and potentially validation testing.

Keywords:
Nano-Composites, Lightweight, Multi-Functional, Mwnt, Cnf, Nano-Fiber, Dispersed, Film