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Improve Stability within EKV Seeker Assembly by Utilizing Ceramic-Nanotube Composites

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Missile Defense Agency
Contract: W9113M-05-C-0080
Agency Tracking Number: 044-1271
Amount: $99,850.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: MDA04-090
Solicitation Number: 2004.4
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-02-08
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-08-07
Small Business Information
7800A South Nogales Highway
Tucson, AZ 85706
United States
DUNS: 790044130
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Marlene Platero
 Research Scientist
 (520) 547-0850
 mplatero@acmtucson.com
Business Contact
 David Blanchard
Title: President
Phone: (520) 547-0850
Email: dblanchard@acmtucson.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Raytheon Missile Systems (Tucson, AZ) has presented Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing, LLC (ACM) with a materials challenge; replace a current isolator material with a more creep resistant, thermally isolating and stiff material for use within the EKV seeker assembly. ULTEM currently being used to fabricate the component is not dimensionally stable and creeps even at room temperature. This program proposes a new design that meets material and manufacturing requirements such that when proven viable, it can be immediately implemented into the EKV seeker. The material and process must transition to scale-up production environment including post machining, finishing and assembly. ACM proposes to address this problem by fabricating the isolator component from a ceramic-nanotube composite. Nanotubes have been added to partially stabilized zirconia where thermal conductivities less than 0.1 W/m-K could be achieved with <1 wt% addition. The non-aqueous gel-casting method will be used to fabricate a near net shape prototype for Raytheon to evaluate from this composite material. Preliminary studies characterizing the thermal and mechanical properties of the material will be conducted. A first generation isolator prototype will be fabricated for Raytheon's evaluation.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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