SBIR-STTR Award

The speed of supersonic cruise missiles generates surface temperatures that can exceed the limitations of even high temperature structural metals like titanium. Insulation to protect electronics equipment in the missile is typically a parasitic thermal protection system. A multi-functional solution that has the potential of revolutionizing the design and performance of missiles, re-entry vehicles, and other hot flight structures is an oxide-oxide CMC based on a 3-D woven preform that integrates the thermal protection system. Structures based on oxide-oxide systems can withstand the anticipated temperatures of ~1200-1500oF at lower cost than SiC-SiC. The 3-D fiber architecture will increase the fracture toughness and interlaminar strength of the CMC, while multi-rapier 3-D weaving enables the economical production of 3-D woven preforms and the integration of the thermal protection system. Further, the oxide-oxide systems of interest exhibit dielectric properties that make them of particular interest for antenna windows integrated into the vehicle skin. Therefore, the primary objective of the proposed program will be to develop capabilities to design, fabricate, and evaluate a new class of hot-structure panels that combine thermal protection and structural elements in a single integrally formed component for use as acreage surfaces and as antennae windows for supersonic missiles.

Keywords:
Oxide-Oxide, 3d Woven, High Temperature, Antenna Windows

Supersonic cruise missiles offer the ability to hit a time critical target with precision and lethality from long distances, yet the high speed generates temperatures on the exterior surfaces of the missile that can exceed the limitations of high temperature structural metals like titanium. Also, insulation to protect electronics equipment in the missile is required. One solution that demonstrates promise for high-temperature, structural antenna windows is structural ,low dielectric constant, oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) based on a 3-D woven preform that integrates the thermal protection system. The 3-D preform consists of ceramic fabric skins separated by through-thickness reinforcements, or Z-yarns, woven into each skin. Structures based on oxide-oxide systems have suitable dielectric properties and can withstand the anticipated high temperatures. The 3-D oxide fiber architecture also provides a means for optimizing the overall system performance since many key properties depend primarily on the details of the Z-yarn placement and volume fraction. The Phase I effort successfully demonstrated fabrication of two Nextel 720 preforms infused with alumina matrices. The proposed Phase II program will further develop the design space associated with the integral standoff CMC materials, characterize a matrix of the standoff materials, and resolve remaining manufacturing challenges.

Keywords:
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, OXIDE-OXIDE, 3D WEAVE, CMC, DIELECTRIC