Impact Resistant Mortar Baseplate

The Army is seeking a lightweight impact resistant carbon composite baseplate design that meets following criteria:  (i) 500 kips impact force,  (ii)  Weight < 20 lbs for M3A2 81 mm baseplate or < 100 lbs for M9A1 120 mm baseplate,  (iii)  Fatigue life of 3,000 firing cycles and,  (iv)  Cost < $3,000 for M3A2 81 mm baseplate or < $16,600.00 for a M9A1 120 mm baseplate.  The current baseplates are made from aluminum alloys.  While carbon composites present a lightweight option, its impact resistance needs to be improved to meet the 500 kips force requirement.  Lynntech proposes to develop impact resistant auxetic designs with traditional carbon composite materials to meet this requirement.  In addition, additive manufacturing processes will be explored for fabrication of such designs.  The Phase I will provide a proof of concept materials demonstration of the carbon composite design for meeting minimum 130 kips impact force and multiple use cycles.  Preliminary designs for the prototype 81 mm and 120 mm baseplate designs will also be completed, with feasibility demonstration for meeting the weight requirement.  The Phase II project will target fabrication and demonstration of full scale baseplate design for meeting the impact force (500 kips), and weight requirements.  In addition, feasibility for meeting the cost and durability (3,000 firing cycles) targets will be demonstrated with the Phase II prototype.