Small Filament Wound Lightweight Missile Defense Interceptor Shielding Structures

During Phase I, NanoSonic produced structural shielding composites based on additively manufactured filament wound lightweight (< 0.4 g/cc) graded atomic number (Z) constituents. Such composites demonstrated Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Effectiveness (SE) of -105 dB over 2 – 20 GHz and radiation durability upon exposure equivalent to 50-year simulated low-Earth-orbit (LEO) space radiation. Furthermore, in two separate irradiation exposure studies at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (BNL NSRL) and Colorado State University (CSU), the graded-Z Thoraeus Rubber composites demonstrated no remarkable change in mechanical properties. Importantly, the additive process developed during Phase I enables the addition of low-Z and high-Z alternating constituents to the composites and allows for the inclusion of apertures for electronic housing. During Phase II, we will model and transition these graded-Z composites within designs that offer extremely high specific modulus and specific strength, due to our nominally tough composites based on low mass density materials. The cylindrical composites will be tested for shock and vibration in a suitable environment. Approved for Public Release 19-MDA-10203 (4 Sep 19)