Cost-Effective, Net Shape Forming of Refractory Nitrides forTMD Missile Components

In this Phase I SBIR Program, Exothermics will pursue development of Jaffordable, net shape processing technologies for the fabrication of high Jperformance, continuous fiber ceramic composite (CFCC) solid rocket motor Gcomponents. The feasibility of employing gas phase reaction synthesis L(nitirdation) techniques to produce test coupons of carbon fiber reinforced Czirconium nitride or hafnium nitride-bonded CFCC materials will be Linvestigated in Phase I. Successful completion of Phase I will show that a Mviable alternative to CVI, polymer impregnation processing, or hot pressing Hexists for fabrication of next generation solid rocket motor refractory composites for TMD missiles. RThe empirically-directed CFCC materials and test article fabrication efforts will Qbe augmented with the use of finite element analytical models in order to define HCFCC constructions and materials combinations which meet structural and Ethermal requirements imposed by the projected TMD solid rocket motor Qenvironment. The focus of this effort will be to analytically select and tailor Fmaterials properties for the purpose of minimizing component residual Estresses and eventually to arrive at optimized rocket nozzle designs. OIn the Phase I option program, Exothermics would supply subscale test articles ?components to NSWC and Thiokol for ablation or arc jet testing.