Design, Optimizing and Qualifying High Modulus and High Strength Hy-Bor® for Department of Defense (DOD) Applications

he proposed Phase II project builds on the successful advancements of our Phase I contract, where we achieved significant improvements in the compression properties of high modulus composites by developing Hy-Bor® composite materials using domestically-sourced high-modulus carbon and boron fibers. In Phase II, we aim to further refine the Hy-Bor® prepreg product CUI Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104 by optimizing the boron-to-carbon ratio to maximize performance while minimizing costs for the warfighter. Additionally, we will enhance the handling and manufacturability of composite parts made from Hy-Bor® materials to ensure superior performance and efficiency. Northrop Grumman will conduct a design trade study to determine the potential weight savings associated with a wing structure for an autonomous vehicle that currently uses Toray’s foreign made M46 J fiber and will redesign a representative wing component using the High Modulus Hy-Bor. This component will be fabricated by both hand layup and advanced tow placement (AFP). The final components will be tested to validate the performance of the component under representative loads allowing a comparison between the hand layup and AFP assemblies.