Hot gas components for lightweight missile components

Divert attitude control systems (DACS), employed on modern Ballistic missile defense systems, have very sensitive on-board electronic systems whose performance is dependant on how well it is protected from the harsh operating environment. Good structural insulator materials are critical for reliable performance. Ceramic matrix composite materials are potentially attractive materials for this application. However, to date, none of the materials produced have had the ideal combination of low weight and high strength combined with good insulating properties at an affordable price. The aim of the proposed program is to address these shortcomings through the development of an affordable, yet high strength, matrix material based on silicon nitride. The approach used for generating the matrix is well known. However, there are some unique process differences that should help overcome some of the issues typically associated with producing silicon nitride matrices. The resulting matrix should have fewer cracks and, as such, stronger than matrices produced using more established methods for CMC manufacture yet remain affordable to manufacture