Ultrahigh Temperature Materials for Missile Defense Propulsion and Aerothermal Applications

The notional performance parameters and kinematic requirements for the SM3 Blk IIB mission would benefit from the availability of advanced materials manufacturing methods that could enhance the technical properties and lower the cost of TDACS components. This Phase 2 STTR proposal addresses the requirement to significantly improve the affordability and performance of ultrahigh temperature capable throttling or solid divert and attitude control system TDACS or componentsof the type that may be found in missile defense interceptors such as SM3 Blk IIB. Exothermics and their Phase 2 partners Aerojet, Materials Research & Design (MR&D) and the Southern Research Institute (SoRI) will endeavor to increase the performance, lower the cost and enhance the property reproducibility of selected TDACS components via the use of tailorable yet cost-effective gas phase nitridation and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) methods. These methods will be used for the cost-effective fabrication of > 4000F-capable HfxN1-x refractory compounds into a variety of components using either bulk or diffusion-bonded HfxN1-x clad onto refractory metal substrates. The program will also conduct an ongoing series of PETM TDACS motor firing tests at Aerojet facilities in Sacramento, CA, in order to validate materials development and optimization work conducted in this program.