Advanced Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS)

"On this Phase I program, Advanced Ceramics Research Inc. (ACR) will develop and commercialize technology to fabricate structural components with increased thermal capacities at relatively low cost. This effort will have two major focus areas: (1) work onour Fibrous Monolith (FM) composite processing to develop a new generation of low-cost damage tolerant ceramic-matrix composites with improved properties, and (2) development of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques for in-service evaluation ofceramic composites, including a preliminary catalog of defect signatures that can be used as a basis for future efforts in this area. The FM composites have a variety of potential applications including rocket nozzles and thrusters, and divert attitudecontrol valves. For defense applications, ACR will team with Alliant Techsystems to produce propulsion-related composite components such as gas divert tubes and tactical nozzles for use in high temperature propulsion applications. To develop commercialmarkets, ACR will be exploring and evaluating applications for thermally insulating refractory composites. Examples of these potential applications include high temperature furnace hardware and precision insulators. Defense ApplicationsThe industrial applications of the materials and components developed under this Phase I program are applicable to both the defense and commercial sectors. Our discussions with defense contractors have led to