Lightweight Structural Components for Laser Propulsion

Lightweight thrusters with high strength and stiffness at high temperatures are required for laser propulsion to be effective. With currently available megawatt-class lasers, ultralightweight thruster design is required to demonstrate a significant thrust to weight ratio.This project investigates a structural materials concept in which strong refractory fibers are assembled in a way that eliminates the need for supporting matrix material. The resulting materials are dramatically lighter than conventional fiber-reinforced composite materials and offer new opportunities for lightweight structural design.Phase I will investigate the strength and stiffness properties of the new materials as configuration parameters are varied, and then fabricate a small-scale thruster based on existing designs of a technology demonstrator for use with 1 MW-class lasers.Phase II would further develop the structural materials, fabricate larger-scale thrusters, and pursue commercial applications.