Low Cost Composite Structure with Integral Radiation Shield for Hardening of EKV Electro-Optics Subsystems

Future Exoatmospheric Interceptor Kill Vehicle (EKV) system upgrades and Kinetic Energy Interceptors (KEI) are expected to require nuclear radiation hardening of electro-optics subsystems. Lightweight, low cost, producible structural radiation shielding is needed to address this EKV and KEI nuclear radiation hardening issues. A phase I program was successfully completed to demonstrate the feasibility of a lightweight composite structure with integral nuclear radiation shielding materials for EKV structures and electro-optic subsystem hardening applications. Alternative radiation shielding high-z (atomic number) materials concepts, including tungsten particles and integral metallic foil liner materials integrated with graphite fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite structures, were evaluated analytically and experimentally for simulated x-ray environments. The metallic foil materials concept is based using the Metallic Intermetallic Laminates (MIL) technology patented by UCSD, a subcontract team partner for this project, and using high-z materials such as tantalum. A Phase II program is proposed to develop and demonstrate the integrated composite structure and radiation shielding materials approach. Integrated designs will be developed for representative EKV components such as the sensor sunshade, LDACS main structure, or ECU electronic enclosures. Radiation shielding materials concepts such as the tungsten loaded polymer matrix and tantalum MIL foils will be further developed and tested in simulated x-ray environments. A full-scale prototype EKV component structure will be fabricated and mechanical and simulated x-ray environment testing conducted to demonstrate the full-scale component performance.