C/SiC Maturation

The Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) team proposes to mature carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix materials to TRL 6, enabling the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) selection for hypersonic vehicle components. PSI’s families of PSC-10 (3,000°F) and ultrahigh temperature UHT-14 (4,500°F) materials have been successfully demonstrated for both leading edges and engine flow paths in relevant high speed vehicle environments. This program will standardize the manufacturing processes for these material systems and bring them in line with current aerospace manufacturing quality practices. Partner OEMs will provide material performance metrics required for TRL6 acceptance. The PSI team will optimize fabrication processes for the entire vertically integrated value stream. We will obtain relevant thermal and mechanical data and develop standard inspection methodologies to enable OEMs to design high speed vehicle components using PSC-10 and UHT-14. One OEM partner has identified a specific test to measure the performance UHT-14 in relevant flight conditions. Additional specific sub-element fabrication and testing of OEM supplied designs for next generation vehicles will occur during follow-on Phase III programs. When executed to completion, this Materials Maturation program will advance PSI’s C/SiC family of materials to TRL 6 in several specific vehicle applications, providing high quality and affordable extreme environment structures. Approved for Public Release | 22-MDA-11102 (22 Mar 22)