Structural High Power Microwave, Nuclear and Electromagnetic Pulse Protection of Organic Matrix Composite and Ceramic Materials for Munitions

ABSTRACT: Vector ElectroMagnetics, LLC will develop and demonstrate a Multi-Functional Advanced Composite Material System whereby material elements to shield thermal blast, Nuclear EMP, Nuclear Particle and HPM effects are inherently part of the structural composite material. The proposed Material System will demonstrate greatly improved manufacturability and a significant reduction in required volume and weight when compared to currently deployed solutions. Computational analysis will be used to define optimal configurations for various shielding conditions and to formulate the best experimental approach to understand and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the system solution.Multiple prototype panels will be fabricated and tested to demonstrate performance.The material system demonstrated will be producible in large quantities, affordable, maintainable, and sustainable. Greatly improved manufacturability (low production cost) makes this material solution viable for a multitude of commercial applications.; BENEFIT: The proposed Multi-Functional Advanced Composite Material System will ultimately provide; Greatly improved manufacturing / processing (lower cost); greater than 40% reduction in thickness; greater than 20% reduction in areal weight; structural (load bearing) material properties; improved environmental protection; improved compressive strength over standard composite structures; improved fracture toughness over standard composite structures.