Materials Sciences LLC STTR Phase I Award, April 2020

Next generation high-speed missile defense systems require advanced thermal protection systems (TPS) to meet performance objectives. The development of these advanced systems requires the continued research of high-temperature materials, i.e., silicon carbide composites, carbon-carbon composites, aluminum, and titanium. The aerodynamic heating, e.g., 2,000° F, produced by extreme velocities, i.e., above Mach 5, in the atmosphere can affect the strength of materials. Of particular interest is an understating and characterization of the fracture of these materials under high strain rates and high heat loadings simultaneously over short time periods. A capability to analyze the effects of high-temperature environments on the fracture characteristics of high-temperature materials in a hypervelocity impact is needed. Current analysis methodologies that are valid for isotropic materials may also not be valid for composite materials. Consequently, it is believed that fundamentally existing test data for development of a modeling methodology for analysis of hypervelocity impact of composite materials is not sufficient. Hence, Material Sciences LLC and Southwest Research Institute proposes the development and implementation of a innovative test and modeling methodology to analyze the effects of high-temperature environments on the fracture characteristics of high-temperature composite materials in a hypervelocity impact. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10398 (2 Mar 20)