Lattice Block Structures for Missile Structural Components

This project will develop the capability to produce naval missile lattice block structures for leading edge components using electron beam melted gamma phase titanium aluminide powder. This is a materials, process, and component development effort. Suitable powder will be purchased and electron beam melting process parameters developed to melt powder into near net shape coupons for properties testing. Modeling using these properties will be done to develop lattice block structures for candidate parts. Selected parts will be built and tested. Designs will be iterated and retested. The final design will meet requirements for missile structure leading edges for the SM-3 and SM-6 programs. Weight savings will be quantified and preparations for integration with production hardware will be started. Cost savings estimates will be made.