Low Cost Production of Mesophase Pitch Matrix Graphite Heat Sinks(1001-012)

In the Phase I technical effort, Triton Systems Inc. (Triton), demonstrated a unique combination of composite manufacturing processes and constituent materials design that provides the opportunity to occupy an attractive performance price point between the two existing VME heatsink products, enabling serious consideration for avionics cooling applications. For the Phase II program, Triton proposes a technical effort which includes a team of Harris Corporation (System Integrator/Design), k Technology Corporation (Heatsink OEM/Testing) and Dr. James Zimmer (mesophase pitch / carbon-carbon processing consultant) to complete the development initiated in Phase I to manufacture a highly conductive cost effective heatsink thermal plane. Mesophase pitch matrix composites will be molded and processed into high conductivity carbon-carbon thermal planes. High temperature process optimization will be conducted using cost effective manufacturing techniques. The resulting thermal planes will be assembled into VME heatsinks and tested per selected Harris Corp. specification requirements to demonstrate thermal, mechanical and durability conformance. Triton will reassess the cost / performance design space with the findings of the Phase II effort using projected JSF heatsink requirements for composite thermal plane VME heatsink assemblies. Success in this Phase II technical effort will provide a solid footing to pursue qualification in a Phase III effort.