Lyocell Based Carbon Carbon Composite for Use as a Large Exit Cone Material

The NASA Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) has identified a "carbon-carbon nozzle (domestic source)" as a "Top Technical Challenge" in the 2011-2016 timeframe in the "Launch Propulsion Systems Roadmap" document. This program, by utilizing a demonstrably capable team with a deep history in the manufacture, testing, and analysis of C/C materials, will address this need by developing a Lyocell C/C composite system aimed at the need for a composite J2X nozzle extension. The proposed Lyocell based system will have the advantages of being thermally compatible with, specifically, the TEG manifold of the J2X and will have a domestic supply chain. This technology has the capability to save hundreds of pounds of weight over the current (and less capable) metal based nozzle extension. Therefore, the overall objective of this program is to develop a viable, domestically produced Lyocell based C/C that passes margin of safety requirements for use as a J2X nozzle extension material.