TPS Material with Enhanced Toughness and Interlaminar Strength

The Missile Defense Agency is seeking methods to produce thermal protection materials with complex shapes that are light weight and resistant to erosion, impact damage, and interlaminate blistering when at high Mach flight conditions. Further, reduction in manufacturing time and waste are desired. The goal of the proposed effort is the development of a thin shell Carbon-Carbon thermal protection system (TPS) material with high toughness and erosion resistance. The material solution developed will be quicker with less expensive production and a reduced scrap rate. Triton Systems proposes to develop the methodology to produce the thin shell TPS structure with high strength/high density and short manufacturing time. During Phase I, Triton demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method. During Phase II, Triton will further mature the process demonstrated during the Phase I to produce larger representative C-C shells. The reduction in manufacturing time of a full-scale part (<6 months for fully densified parts) will be demonstrated. Samples will be arc tested at a high Mach test facility and mechanical properties also tested. Further, ablation performance of the reinforced TPS shells will be demonstrated. Approved for Public Release | 22-MDA-11102 (22 Mar 22)