Advanced Composite Enclosures

Mass, size, and power reduction for the satellite-based Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection System (NDS) can provide significant benefits to the nuclear nonproliferation effort. Resources could be redirected to add new monitoring devices; increase NDS's ability to respond to change; or add other high-value sensors, instruments, or payloads to the satellites. This project will reduce the mass of NDS components such as electromechanical housings by 30% to 40% through the transition from aluminum to advanced graphite-epoxy composites. The approach will involve the incorporation of such multifunctionial composite technologies as layered radiation shielding, ultra-high thermal conductivity inserts, embedded sensors, and structural integral harnessing. Phase I will characterize an important high-thermal-conductivity/high-modulus composite material; design and produce a representative composite electronics enclosure with composite thermal-management materials and layered radiation shielding; test the enclosure to qualification level random vibration and thermal vacuum environments; and design a composite flight system enclosure. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to space-based monitoring of nuclear explosions, the multifunctional composite technology should be applicable to launch vehicles, missile systems, weapon systems, military aircraft, commercial aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, ships, electric vehicles, automobiles, and trucks