Biomimetic, Flexible Thermal Protection

Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) is enabling optimized performance of hypersonic systems through a combination of proven, TPS materials and innovative, bio-inspired engineering designs. In the proposed effort, CRG will leverage biomimetic design methodologies developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in conjunction with C/C, ablative, and elastomeric TPS materials fabricated from CRG’s MG Resin to create flexible TPS solutions that revolutionize the capabilities of hypersonic systems. In Phase I CRG will use the methods described in the literature to design flexible TPS engineered materials. CRG will collaborate with government and commercial entities to identify relevant environments and applications, along with respective material requirements. To demonstrate feasibility, CRG will adapt existing designs from the literature to produce surrogate models made from conventional, low cost materials. Once the general design is proven, CRG will fabricate the prototype using high-temperature capable materials and assess performance against Phase I metrics. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10643 (3 Dec 20)