Plasma Processes, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: MDA17-008

Description

Fielding of advanced missile defense interceptors is strongly dependent upon innovative materials, processes and technologies. One potential area of performance improvement is the nozzle throat of axial thrust systems. An erosion-resistant nozzle throat enables maximum motor efficiency, thereby increasing specific impulse. Tungsten (W) and tantalum carbide (TaC) based materials are being considered for employment as non-eroding nozzle throat materials due to their ultra-high melting temperature and compatibility with highly aluminized propellants. Plasma Processes has developed manufacturing techniques to deposit dense, high strength W and TaC-based materials and successfully demonstrated innovative nozzle designs.Plasma Processes proposes to further advance the maturity of the established technology by investigation an alternative non-eroding nozzle variation that will reduce weight, cost and manufacturing lead-time. The Phase I will involve analytical evaluation of this W-coated CTE matched graphite concept.Analytical evaluation will be followed by deposition experiments, which will involve identification of a suitable diffusion barrier between the W and graphite.The Phase I will be concluded by manufacturing trials to produce a full-scale nozzle.This proposed investigation is directly beneficial to aluminized boost motors across the BMDS, including SM-3 Block IIB (1st, 2nd and 3rd stages), GMD and THAAD.Approved for Public Release | 17-MDA-9395(24 Oct 17)