Workshop on Closed Mold Manufacturing of High Performance Composite Missile Structures Held in Alexandria, Virginia on 15-16 May 1995.
Abstract
LtCol Michael Obal of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) Materials and Structures (M&S) Office manages a wide variety of advanced technology and demonstration programs that address needs for various systems. Included among the demonstration programs are (1) fabrication and test of adaptive structures for jitter control and improved sensor system performance and (2) lightweight spacecraft and missile structures. Advanced polymer composites have been selected for fabrication of these structures because of their high-performance capabilities and the potential for reduced weight. One of the major drawbacks of this class of composite--and of primary concern to potential end users--has been the high cost of manufacturing components. Closed mold manufacturing processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) or matched metal net-shape molding (MMNM) offer potential low-cost methods for making such components for application in missile systems. In response to these concerns, LtCol Obal requested that the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) organize a workshop to address material availability, processability, quality, data, fabrication and test experience, and other issues that prevent users from adopting these materials. This workshop involved missile producers; resin, preform, and prepreg suppliers; and parts fabricators. It served as a forum to promote communication among the appropriate groups and to identify technical issues and limitations associated with these manufacturing methods. p8
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA311936
Entities
People
- Janet Sater
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses