Novel, Functionally Graded Coating System for Reusable, Very High Temperature Applications

This proposal addresses some of the most challenging materials issues with respect to multi-mission, very high temperature, up to 4000�F, applications. The very successful, record breaking, NASA led X-43A hypersonic flight proved the ability to use state of the art (SOTA) material/coating system for short duration, single mission, and very high temperature applications. The transition into multi-mission applications requires a total paradigm shift. Allcomp proposes an extremely innovative solution to this problem by using functionally graded (FGM) CVD coatings to alleviate interfacial shear stresses and greatly reduce transverse thermal cracking, which historically have plagued ceramic coatings applied to very low thermal expansion coefficient 2-D C-C composite substrates. The success of this Phase I will totally open new avenues in the area of high temperature materials. That, in turn, will enable NASA designers to implement hot structure solution in lieu of parasitic passive insulation system, resulting in significant weight reduction in future NASA Space Exploration vehicles, as well as a plethora of other applications.

The primary focus is initially on new TPS solutions for NASA Space Exploration vehicles. In addition, this technology would also have applicability in future hypersonic applications.

Several DoD organizations are actively pursuing hypersonic vehicles for both advanced missile systems, as well as sophisticated surveillance vehicles. The novel, low cost technology developed under this program will lead to DoD applications as well.

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.

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