Advanced High Temperature Structural Honeycomb TPS, Phase I

In this NASA Phase I SBIR program, MATECH proposes to leverage successfully developed laboratory and pilot scale manufacturing technologies to produce low cost Silicon Oxycarbide (SiOC) fibrous-walled high temperature honeycomb structures, hat stiffeners, and rigid fibrous insulators. A highly scale-able melt blowing fiber manufacturing system was previously developed to produce non-woven mat from preceramic polymer and then formed into a pleated shape using a pleating apparatus. MATECH has shown that the SiOC fibrous ceramic used to make the core retains its mechanical and thermal stability to temperatures up to 1400˚C. These robust structural airframe materials can be densified with SiOC and ZrOC (for ultra-high temperature) matrix materials to produce a suite of advanced heat shield components. This suite innovative airframe material systems and fabrication methodology offers robust innovative multifunctional structural high temperature thermal protection systems for demanding high-mass planetary entry, descent, and landing (EDL) applications. The active support and participation of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and Boeing bodes well for a successful Phase I effort and follow-on Phase II program. More significantly, the close collaboration with these major industrial stakeholders enhances the likelihood of a successful Phase III transition into commercialization. More »