Flexible, Phase Change Fabric for Deployable Decelerators

SDMA proposes to develop a flexible fabric containing Phase Change Materials that is suitable for use on Deployable Decelerators. This technology will make Deployable Decelerators substantially more efficient. Previous work at NASA has shown that increasing the thermal capacitance of the structure can make hypersonic vehicles more efficient. SDMA's work will build on NASA's previous efforts by developing practical methods of containing PCM's in a flexible system that withstands the thermal and mechanical mission requirements.

SDMA will develop a flexible fabric containing Phase Change Materials (PCM's) suitable for use in shifting and attenuating thermal energy loads. This same fabric could be used in protective clothing, allowing a fire fighter for example to enter a hot environment without incurring injury, or in a fire shelter to help save the life of a wildland fire fighter trapped by fire. Although the liquid/gas phase change will be considered for deployable decelerators, the solid/liquid phase change could be used in the same type of fabric, and this fabric could be used in medical applications to deliver sustained cold to injuries, or in flexible coolers to keep food and drinks cool for longer periods of time.

Products/companies that could benefit from a flexible, PCM, fabric include: Orbital Outfitters develops space and pressure suits for the commercial spaceflight industry Final Frontier Design is a private design firm who makes aerospace safety garments for commercial spaceflight UTC Aerospace systems makes Extravehicular Mobility Units used by NASA ILC Dover provides space suits for the International Space Station and for commercial use Stearns makes Hypothermia protection suits Lakeland makes Heat Protective clothing with an aluminsed outer layer and thermal protective clothing DuPont has developed the Nomex Fabric that provides protection from flash fires and explosions for military and police uniforms

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 1) — 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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