Peregrine Falcon Corporation — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: H5

Description

Peregrine hypersonic hot structure experience with Multi-Layer Metal Insulation (MLM) is an ideal solution for NASA. Recent LHMEL tests up to 600 W/cm2 have proven that MLMI technology fabricated with advanced refractory materials/alloys can provide the protection sought by NASA. MLMI can be a reusable TPS with integrated structure that uniquely addresses the environment of high heat fluxes experienced during entry and decent. The individual layers are separated by egg crate structure minimized to create a torturous thermal path from one layer to the next but structurally integral in order to maintain support of the outer layers and provide support for aerodynamic loads. MLMI is damage tolerant, robust, ductile, low cost, reusable, lightweight (lt;.040 lbs./in3), durable, and can provide the primary load carrying capabilities for hot control surfaces. Where the outer layer is envisioned as a thin layer of refractory metal the surface of this layer can be protected via an oxide to provide a high temperature surface. nbsp;Peregrine will utilize its technology in MLMI to produce an MLMI that can operate to 2,200˚C on a reusable basis.