Cabling Architecture and Mechanisms

The objective of this Phase II program is to develop missile cable shielding incorporating carbon nanotube membrane (buckypaper). Current metal shielding imposes a severe weight penalty, and the shielded cables are rigid and difficult to route. Therefore, it is critical to develop non-metallic cable shielding to provide protection from electromagnetic fields at reduced weight and with increased cable flexibility. In the Phase I program, NTL demonstrated the technical feasibility of incorporating carbon nanomembrane into flex cabling architectures and validated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness comparable to aluminum. In Phase II, NTL will optimize the buckypaper formulation for improved low frequency response, enhanced handleability and cost effectiveness; enhance connector compatibility; develop buckypaper-shielded cable build techniques for selected products; perform operational-representative testing and assess the scale-up feasibility and insertion potential of developed technologies.