LUNA INNOVATIONS INCORPORATED — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N172-103

Description

Rigid wall shelter protection against electromagnetic threats has historically been provided by passive steel or aluminum skins on the shelter walls. However, these legacy shelters require high levels of maintenance and corrosion protection; do not meet current International Standards Organization (ISO) and Convention of Safe Container (CSC) standards for stack height; are not energy efficient and are heavy to transport; and do not meet increasing electromagnetic inferfernce (EMI) requirements. There is thus a need for a next-generation rigid wall shelter design that provides better EMI shielding effectiveness; lower weight; has improved structural capability for stacking requirements; offers better energy efficiency (insulation); increases shelter lifespan; and is competitive in cost. The Luna team proposes to develop a next-generation 10-foot ISO and CSC compliant EMI shielding composite rigid wall shelter (CRWS) that utilizes a mechanically robust and lightweight composite panel design. Phase I feasibility demonstration will focus on composite coupon fabrication and characterization, as well as early prototype enclosure design mechanical and thermal simulations. A simplified 10-foot ISO non-expandable CRWS prototype will be fabricated in the Phase II for comprehensive performance testing and manufacturability assessment.