Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACs) Thruster Non-Destructive Examination

The behavior of flaw growth in hetrogeneous materials such as reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) is not well understood. The use of CMC materials for thin wall components such as interceptor directional control thrusters offer significant advantages in cost and weight reduction over refactory metals now in use. However, no NDE techniques or analytical tools have yet been determined to be capable of verifying the structural adequacy of CMC components. In this proposal, FMI recommends an approach to developing an understanding of CMC material properties and flaw propagation, evaluating non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques to detect structural inadequacies, and developing analytical modeling tools for a class of carbon-silicon carbide CMC structures.