SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) re-entry vehicles (RV), with carbon-carbon nosetips undergo significant aerothermal ablation during atmospheric re-entry. Diagnostics are needed to measure recession rates and shape change to validate aerodynamic performance. Numerous approaches have been utilized to instrument nosetips but almost all utilize intrusive, post-machining operations that compromise the structural integrity of the nosetip. Exo-Atmospheric Technologies will develop a new ultrasonic recession gauge that utilizes a phased array sensor to provide measurements of recession rate and nosetip shape. The phased array will be operated with a custom avionics package built specifically to integrate with US Navy aeroshell designs and legacy telemetry systems. In Phase I the novel phased array sensor and backup single element ultrasonic sensing technology will be developed, integrated with the planned avionics, and validated through a series of bench-top tests including oxy-acetylene torch tests, furnace calibration tests, plasma-arc jet, and laser ablation tests.
