Table Rolling Fabrication Process for Propulsion Structures

Structural properties and cost of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are highly dependent on manufacturing techniques and material selection. The proposed work defines Innovative Composite Engineering’s (ICE) existing capabilities and identifies a path to successfully producing FRP cylindrical structures. A partnership between ICE and Oregon State University (OSU) will couple ICE’s decades of experience manufacturing composite tubes with OSU’s laminate design and testing capabilities to produce cost competitive, high strength cylinders tailored to the requirements of missile airframes, solid rocket motors, and missile launch tubes. The proprietary processes at ICE that expand on traditional table rolling of composites have proven successful on diameters exceeding 18”. Through proper design and material selection, the proposed process produces a better-quality laminate at lower cost than legacy filament winding techniques. Phase 1 studies will evaluate relationships between strength, geometry, and cost for table rolled cylinders while experimental validation will evaluate the validity of theoretical models. Comparing costs between table rolling and filament winding while also optimizing material selection will ensure cost reduction through ICE’s manufacturing processes. Sub-scale cylinders created on ICE’s existing equipment and tooling will scale beyond 7” on existing equipment if further evaluation is requested.