Higher Strength, Lighter Weight Aluminum Spacecraft Structures

This SBIR Phase I program proposes to develop a bulk processing technology for producing ultra fine grain (UFG) aluminum alloy structures. The goal is to demonstrate a practical, production level manufacturing approach for producing bulk-sized aluminum alloy structures and eventually near-net shape components with nano-scale microstructures. Ultra fine grain aluminum alloys could be particularly advantageous for higher performance, lighter weight spacecraft structures, airframes, and space-frames and structural components needed for next generation commercial and military systems. The effect of different thermo-mechanical conditions to achieve the requisite microstructure-properties also needs to be understood, and will be developed in this project.

Potential NASA commercial applications for higher strength, lighter weight aluminum alloy forgings, plates, and sheets with ultra fine grained microstructures include higher performance spacecraft and launch vehicles, civil fixed-wing and rotary aircraft systems requiring lightweight yet high strength and durable structures and components.

Potential non-NASA commercial applications for higher strength, lighter weight aluminum alloy forgings, plates, and sheets with ultra fine grained microstructures include higher performance military spacecraft and launch vehicles, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft systems, combat vehicles, and land vehicles including automobiles and heavy duty trucks.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.