ATS-MER, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Future hypersonic sea-level launch systems require high-density nosetips that can handle e

Description

Future hypersonic sea-level launch systems require high-density nosetips that can handle extreme heat loads in highly oxidizing conditions, survive>30 kg axial mechanical loads,>10 kg transverse balloting loads, thermal shock from surface temperature rise of 2000°C/sec from a Mach 8 launch with point heat fluxes of 4500 BTU/ft2-sec. Multicomponent functionally graded materials with densities>15 g/cc are necessary for a nosetip to meet the identified launch requirements. Only a few materials meet the density requirement but do not meet the oxidation resistance leading to multicomponent functionally graded materials combination requirements. A high-density core will be utilized and functionally graded utilizing plasma transferred arc (PTA) processing to oxidation resistant compositions which meet nosetip requirements for the duration of flight. Compositions will be optimized with characterization including the severe thermal shock test and arc-jet testing with samples and subscale nosetips delivered to the Navy.