Phased-array ultrasound for real-time nose cone recession monitoring

The Navy is in need of an in-flight diagnostic tool capable of measuring recession rates of carbon/carbon composite nosetips during Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) flight tests. The sensor package will be integrated with the Extended Navy Test Bed (ENTB) telemetry unit during some of the SLBM test vehicle flights. The sensor package must meet the flight and communication interface requirements. The overall goal of this project is to develop a non-intrusive recession rate monitoring system that will be operational in flight test environments. In Phase I, the project will focus on demonstrating the feasibility of the non-intrusive approach to measuring recession rate on representative nosetip materials. In Phase II, we will develop a sensor package that is fully integrated with the ENTB, conduct ground test with ablative material furnished by the Navy, and design critical electronic and mechanical components that will be suitable for the flight test environment. In Phase III, we will develop and produce flight test units that will be ready for experimental flight tests onboard SLBM.