Highly Integrated/Symbiotic Structures

Advanced composite materials and innovative structural designs are required that provide a net zero impact or a reduction in mass while increasing the radiation and EMI shielding of MDA kill vehicles (KV) and space based platforms. In addition, the typical process of “strapping” sub-systems such as electrical wiring harnesses onto a structural backbone maybe insufficient for the requirements of several MDA systems. These systems require revolutionary improvements in mass, cost, and volumetric efficiency in order to better perform their missions. This project proposes to develop multi-functional structural composite materials to replace structural/radiation shielding material combinations used in KV and space based platforms. The use of multi-functional structural composite materials will allow for the design of lower cost, lighter weight components and structures that can provide the same structural strength and stiffness as current metal alloy and composite components while incorporating radiation shielding, EMI shielding, and electrical conductivity directly into the structure. In addition innovative electrical conductor designs will be investigated for incorporation into the multi-functional composite structure to replace strap-on electrical harnesses. The multi-functional composite structure design approach for KV and space platforms will provide for less complex, lighter weight and more volumetric efficient structures at reduced manufacturing costs.