Characterization and Reduction of Vibration and Shock for an Integrated Composite Structure

Fiber Materials, Inc. (FMI) teamed with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) proposes an engineering evaluation of airframe materials and composite constructions to analytically assess the anticipated fundamental natural frequency of co-processedinterceptor missile airframe structures, and to investigate the feasibility for improving airframe response to shock and vibration in a cost effective manner consistent with co-processing techniques.Promising manufacturing approaches have been previously demonstrated using high temperature resin matrix materials that are suitable for both heatshield and substrate components. These types of matrices eliminate the traditional bonding operation and theassociated need to fabricate and cure the components separately. With a co-processing approach, a structural airframe with heatshield is produced in a single molding step. Co-processing is an enabling technology for integrated composite airframestructures that are envisioned to incorporate additional functional features such as vibration and shock control.This study will include an investigation to understand how the response of the one-part structure changes with time as the heatshield ablates. An assessment will be performed to identify and define advanced vibration/shock reduction technologiesappropriate for integrated composite airframes, and project the level of their benefits. Optimization of the fundamental natural frequency and vibration/shock reduction will provide technical enhancement for a one-piece interceptor airframe structure.This capability will result in a multi-functional composite material system that represents lower cost and weight.Following successful completion of a Phase I effort, the results would be applied to proposed activities for development of an advanced THAAD mid-body structure. These efforts are planned to execute co-processed materials development and demonstration offunctional integrated airframe structures. This technology is also applicable to other missile systems that require mitigation of vibration and shock to minimize seeker line-of-sight error.