Metallic Coatings for Structural Enhancement of Polymers and Composites for Reduced Weight Missile Structure

Missile modernization and future missile systems are for calling highly intricate designs in order to improve agility, adaptability, mobility and efficiency for the warfighter. These designs often utilize a series of geometrical-complex brackets, bulkheads, and housing designs in order to minimize packing space and optimize attachment schemes. This program presents an opportunity to develop lightweight, high performance (stiffness, strength, durable), geometrically complex missile components to serve as brackets, bulkheads, housings, or covers. The approach will combine three major technologies: (1) advanced material systems, such as fiber filled molding compounds for balanced properties and cost, (2) state-out-the art material fabrication techniques, such as additive manufacturing to create highly detailed components, and (3) priority plating techniques to promote durability and mutilifunctionality (damage tolerance, thermal and electrical property enhancements). While each technology is well-understood when used separately, a strategy for combining all three technologies is still need in order to deliver optimal mechanical performance. Thus, this program focuses on design optimization and tailoring of these technologies to missile application rather than pure scientific advancement of un-proven materials.