Novel Production Processes for High Strength Ablative Insulators
ID: MDA242-D003Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Novel Production Processes for High Strength Ablative Insulators

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Novel Production Processes for High Strength Ablative Insulators" as part of their SBIR 24.2 Annual solicitation. The research focuses on developing new processes for rapidly producing high strength, ablative insulators with low scrap rates, specifically using high temperature, fiber reinforced matrix composites. The traditional methods of production for these insulators are manually intensive and have low reproducibility. The objective is to utilize automation and additive manufacturing processes to eliminate production variability and increase production rates. The primary application of this technology is in propulsion, but it also has potential applications in thermal protection systems for aeroshells. The project will have a Phase I and Phase II, with Phase I proposals requiring a demonstrated technical feasibility or nascent capability. Phase II will involve developing scalable, automated processes to produce high strength, ablative insulators with scrap rates lower than 5%. The technology should be capable of producing fiber reinforced composites with various fiber ply angles. The mechanical and thermal properties of the insulators produced should meet or exceed those of conventional production processes. In Phase III, the goal is to partner with a system manufacturer to produce fiber reinforced ablative insulators. The solicitation is open until June 12, 2024, and more information can be found on the DOD SBIR website.

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