SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
A NEW METHOD FOR ROCKET NOZZLE MATERIALS EVALUATION
Technical Abstract:
NASA and their contractors are currently limited in their
ability to fabricate nozzle materials and design nozzles which
are free of thermally induced material failures and excessive
nozzle recession. Major improvements in nozzle designs will be
difficult without cost effective nozzle material evaluation
methods to verify acceptable material performance before building
nozzles and firing rocket motors. Physical Sciences proposes a
nozzle thermal environment simulation using high power laser
radiation to screen candidate nozzle materials and quantify their
response to the high heating rate environment. The successful
development of this analog material evaluation testing method
will provide a major improvement in NASA's capabilities for
evaluating nozzle material performance at much lower cost than
firing rocket motors.
Potential Commercial Applications:
Following the successful demonstration and proof that the
laser heating simulation is a valuable test for evaluating nozzle
material behavior, PSI will develop a material screening and
material performance characterization testing service. We will
offer this custom designed materials testing service to NASA and
DoD contractors as a economical method of evaluating materials
behavior and nozzle designs in support of their booster design
and development programs.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
For comments and questions, contact
webmaster@sbir.hq.nasa.gov.
Updated: Feb. 7, 1996