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National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NCAM)

Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)

Description

Advanced Integrated Composite Structures: Recent composite integrated structures technologies, using 3D preform co-bonded joints presents a step change in weight, performance and cost from today's composites, which are traditionally joined by mechanical fasteners. This project task will address technology requirements associated with deep space exploration vehicles by demonstrating a highly integrated composite structures concept. LOX/GOx Compatibility Testing for Composite LOX Tank Materials: Consists of a series of tests of composite materials for compatibility with liquid and gaseous oxygen. Virtual Materials and Manufacturing for Composites: Purdue-Boeing team will examine the potential to reduce the number of composite pressure vessel tests by supplementing a smaller number of vessel tests with analytic models and tension tests.

Benefits

NASA unfunded: Enable less expensive design, development, test, and engineering (DDT&E) cycles for future deep space vehicles by reducing the volume of testing required and by advancing manufacturing techniques for integrated composite structures. Enabling composite liquid oxygen tank technology for in-space propulsion. OGA: Enabling composite liquid oxygen tank technology for in-space propulsion.

Details

Technology areaMaterials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Lightweight Structural Materials
ProgramGame Changing Development (GCD)
Lead organizationMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date2015-07-01
End date2016-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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