High Performance Structures with Synergistic Composite Conductors

IST is proposing to integrate electrical conductors and antennas directly into composite structures using a new Synergistic Composite Conductor (SCC). IST's novel SCC technology enables small cross section electrical conductors that can be printed on or embedded into composites without degrading their structural performance. The benefits of this approach include better resistance to vibration and shock related wear, and inherent EMI shielding. There are also secondary weight advantages due to the elimination of electrical wiring clamps and the associated fastener holes which in turn allows for thinner composite cross sections. Printing or embedding the “wires” in the composite also provides support along their entire length which enables wires to be sized solely by current requirements and not g-loading. This will lead to thinner gauge wires and further synergistic weight savings. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of these new synergistic composite conductors and set the stage for electrical systems to be integrated into a larger demonstration article in the Phase II program. The Phase II will culminate in the fabrication of an electrical circuit or communications antenna embedded in a structural composite.