← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
There is currently a large gap in the understanding of materials degradation in hypersonic environments, driven primarily by the difficulty and scarcity of hypersonic testing capability to simulate the temperatures and other environmental features formed at flight article leading edges at atmospheric velocities of Mach 5-10. The objective of this work is to evaluate adapting the existing GRC Plasma Spray- Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) capability as a hypersonic environment testing and material development capability. Plasma temperature, thermal power, and sample temperature will be captured over a range of conditions and a representative sample will be exposed to compare with previous literature.
If this technique is proven as a valid method for evaluation of hypersonic degradation modes, it will be of significant value to both the ARMD and SMD programs to understand and validate new hypersonic materials and architectures. Additionally, there is already interest this capability from DoD and industry partners, as there are very few hypersonic test facilities available.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.