Advancement of Desirable Characteristics for Hypersonic Seals

Hypersonic vehicles require high temperature seals to block hot gas flow at the intersection of static outer mold line panels, movable flaps and rudders, windows, and engine components. Today's state of the art high temperature seals may not be capable of withstanding the rigors of hypersonic environments. Desirable characteristics for hypersonic seals include: functionality at over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, flexibility and resiliency to fill gaps and uneven surfaces, low leak rate, resistance to degradation, and mitigation of electromagnetic interference. Jackson Bond Enterprises (JBE) has been manufacturing thermal seals for the aerospace industry since 2004. JBE’s Phase I proposal focuses on verifying the feasibility of manufacturing improved high temperature seals suitable for hypersonic vehicles, by advancing existing manufacturing techniques, modifying seal construction, and incorporating new materials.