Lightweight Electromagnetically Immune Wire and Composite Conduit

ABSTRACT: This SBIR Phase I program is to develop and transition a lightweight shielding material technology for wideband electromagnetic shielding and high power microwave hardening of aircraft signal and power cables. Materials Research Institute proposes to use metalized nanometric and micrometric materials as conductive fillers to formulate the lightweight shielding material. Model simulation will be employed to identify and verify the most promising conductive filler and optimize the structure and composition of the shielding material. Prototype shielding materials will be fabricated for shielding effectiveness characterization. Experimental data and simulation results will be reviewed to refine the shielding material with a goal leading to a successful demonstration of the material concept feasibility on 6-ft long shielded cables. BENEFIT: The proposed lightweight shielding material is expected to have advantages over cable shields made of metal wires or metal particulates in weight savings, flexibility, mechanical durability, higher shielding capability, and lower manufacturing cost. It is also expected to have advantages over shielding materials made of carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers in lower cost, greater mechanical durability, and higher shielding performance.