Aerospace Grade Lattice Block Structures for High Performance Missile Structures

This SBIR Phase I project evaluates and develops a robust design and affordable manufacturing process for producing aerospace quality and strength lattice block structures (LBS) from high temperature metallic materials that are suitable for Navy missile airframe applications. At the present such a design and production method does not exist. A key benefit for using conventional metals such as superalloys and titanium alloys is that these are established high temperature materials for which designers are comfortable in using given the extensive properties database that exists. High temperature titanium alloys, in particular, are considered a key class of materials that could enable lighter weight missiles. Lattice block structures made using high temperature intermetallics such as titanium aluminides should also be possible with the technology proposed here. The technology to be developed in this work is an extremely flexible yet cost-effective fabrication process that will be applicable for both limited and volume production of missile components.