Volume, Near Net Shape Manufacturing of Chemical Vapor Composite Divert & Attitude Control Systems (DACS) Nozzles

Divert & Attitude Control System nozzles will be fabricated using Trex’s chemical vapor composite (CVC) silicon carbide material. Because the CVC process results in high purity SiC, the excellent high temperature performance expected of the material is maintained. For example, some high temperature tests show erosion free performance in CVC SiC at temperatures as high as 4000oF. Furthermore, due to its high hardness and chemical resistance, CVC SiC is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical erosion from DACS propellants. The Phase 1 program will produce net shape CVC SiC DACS nozzles of varying nozzle dimensions, including wall thickness of material and throat diameter. Trex will also develop fiber-reinforced CVC SiC nozzles with greater fracture toughness and greater survivability under extreme firing temperatures and pressures. Trex will thereby demonstrate cost-effect manufacturing of robust, erosion-resistant DACS nozzles using its CVC process.