Non-Eroding Fin Materials

This project will analyze and select promising materials and designs to be used in the plumes of tactical solid rocket motors for missile steering and control. The emphasis is on high-performance refractory materials and compatibility of material systems. The control fins experience severe thermal and severe particulate erosion environments. Missile controllability requires fins with minimal erosion and minimal shape change. In Phase I we will study, analyze, and narrow down the list of candidate materials and designs for detailed evaluation and testing in Phase II. Advanced tungsten alloys produced by power metallurgy will be investigated as promising candidates for fin leading edges. Zirconium and hafnium diboride composite-ceramics will also be analyzed. Flank locations on the fin will be studied and here less exotic materials show promise including quartz phenolic and other reinforced and filled, dimensionally-stable, phenolic systems. Phase I is primarily an analysis effort and will rely heavily on well-established analysis methods and tools including SPF, SIRRM, AERHET, TOPAZ, NIKE, SINDA, CMA/ACE, and TCAP.