Lightweight Sandwich Structure Panels for Space Applications

Lightweight Sandwich Structure Panels for Space Applications The ballistic missile defense system is made up of a variety of components including land-based missiles, satellites, and space based laser. Minimum weight structures are needed, maximizingdisplacement, mechanical strength, reliability, and weight. There is a need for innovative high modulus, fiber-reinforced composites, and novel low-to-no outgassing joining/bonding techniques in sandwich structures. Applications include payload supports,structures, and fairings, doors and hatches, platforms, shields, and antenna booms. Touchstone Research Laboratory has developed a novel composite sandwich structure concept for air and space platforms. The technology is based on the combination of twowell understood material systems currently under development: Brazed Aluminum Matrix Composite (BAMC) and Carbon Foam (CFOAM). The primary load-bearing structure is BAMC having high temperature service capability, and the core is CFOAM that offers boththermal protection and structural benefits. BAMC and CFOAM can be joined in various sandwich construction methods. TRL will partner with ATK-Alliant TechSystems. ATK is the world's leading producer of high-strength, lightweight composite structures, builtwith state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and processes. ATK brings large composite structure design and manufacturing expertise to the team and provides experience in developing and qualifying new material systems for space-based applications.