Refractory Coated/Lined Low Density Structures

The innovation in this proposed effort is the development of refractory coated or lined low density structures. Lightweight structures are desirable for space transportation vehicle systems in order to reduce launch costs, increase mission flexibility/efficiency, and add robustness with respect to the ability to add weight or additional materials to the mission with minimum sacrifice in performance. The use of thin refractory coatings over low density structures will yield a lightweight alternative to current solid monolithic components. Thus, offering an increase in mission flexibility by allowing greater speeds, greater range, and bigger payloads. Additional studies will be conducted to seek materials that offer higher temperature use, lower weight, and lower cost. The higher maximum temperatures may eliminate the need for cooling air, while simultaneously increasing engine efficiency. These benefits result in increased fuel savings. The advanced materials study will include refractory metals and ceramics. The manufacturing processes for the monolithic ceramics and refractory metal materials will include vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) and EL-Form electrodeposition.