New items (01-14-2001) are in BLUE
TRITON SYSTEMS, INC.
200 TURNPIKE ROAD
Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone:
PI:
Topic#: (978) 250-4200
Erik Handy
NAVY 00-023 Title: Resin-Transmitter for Covert, Non-Lethal Tagging Abstract: Triton Systems responds to the Navy need to covertly and non- lethally tag personnel and/or equipment, at a range of 50 m to 500 m, and to obtain a later return signal at 1 km. The Triton response to this need is to develop its own unique shelf-stable resin-transmitter, using COTS parts. The stable resin contains a micro-transmitter with the required size and range, that will be delivered by a tethered or retarded projectile, allowing the resin-transmitter to separate from the projectile and to be covertly adhered to clothing or equipment as a final stable plastic tag. On the Phase I program, Triton will fabricate the stable resin-transmitter; will demonstrate its separation from a model tethered or retarded projectile, and the formation of a stable adhesive plastic tag. On the Phase I Option, Triton will demonstrate the delivery of a stable tag to clothing and/or equipment at short range, using a simulated tethered projectile traveling at 250 ft/sec, with a return readout of 50 to 100 m. On Phase II, with a ballistics partner, Triton will develop a realistic projectile resin-transmitter delivery system; with separation and delivery of a tag at 50 to 100 m at gun velocity, with a return signal at 1 km. On Phase III, Triton will work with a munitions / arms maker to make a prototype tag delivery system. If the proposed technology is successful, field commanders will have the ability to covertly and non-lethally tag personnel and equipment when conducting military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) and other areas where immediate action is not appropriate. Such a technology also is of intense interest to civilian police organizations worldwide. It would permit them to covertly and non-lethally mark and track vehicles and hostile elements that blend in with the local population of uninvolved citizens. The commercial market for this technology is large.
PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Engineering & Products Div. 20600 Gramercy Place, Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#: (310) 320-3088 Andrew Kostrzewski AF 00-181
Title: Real-Time, Low Bandwidth, Detachable Damage Assessment Eye
Abstract: Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop beyond-line-of-sight video processing, compression, and transmission with communications capability for ranges out to few hundred kilometers. The proposed Smart Munition Smart Sensor (SMSS) system will be capable of sending sensor data to a ground or air station, fully compressed at 2000:1 while preserving high signal quality and integrity. The sensor data will include full motion, high resolution video/IR data, and still imagery, GPS positioning and sensor fusion control. SMSS will send messages and video at extended ranges for real-time target identification, target location, and battle damage indication. The proposed research will be in two areas: high fidelity video compression to low bandwidth with minimum digital video artifacts; and wireless, real-time transmission of video from the munition to the base and control signals from the base to the munition. The R&D effort will be carried out as algorithm, software, and hardware development for both encoding and decoding as well as efficient wireless communication. The supercomputer-class (8BOPS) digital video processing, based on soft-computing technology (where POC has a leadership) will be sufficiently fast to support semi-autonomous and in near-future, fully-autonomous on-the-fly target reassignment by real-time BDI.
SYSTEMS PLANNING & ANALYSIS, INC. 2000 North Beauregard Street, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: PI: Topic#: (301) 474-1310 Peter Chen DARPA 00-003
Title: Mortar or Rifle Launched, Low Cost, Miniature Ballistic and Glided Flight Surveillance Sensor Systems
Abstract: SPA proposes to perform a detailed performance trade-off study to investigate the feasibility of a low-cost, mortar-launched, lighter-than-air system for over-the-horizon battlefield surveillance. The mortar launched lighter-than-air recoverable sensor (MOLTARS) system will provide U.S. military ground forces with greater battlefield situational awareness. This system will be fired from a standard 60mm mortar and will possess a cruise and loiter capability of at least two hours. The sensor system will return to the launch site for retrieval. During the Phase I effort, SPA will perform a detailed study to determine the optimal system configuration. The proposed system will be primarily comprised of commercial off-the-shelf components. One critical technology, the bag inflation system, will be prototyped and experimentally demonstrated during the Phase I effort.
| ADVANCED PROTECTION
PRODUCTS, INC. 1701 W. 10th Street #5 Tempe, AZ 85281 |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(602) 517-1150 William J. Perciballi SOCOM 97-007 |
| Title: | Titanium-Composite Body Armor Plates |
| Abstract: | Advanced Protection Products, Inc. (APPI) will use advanced materials and processes to develop and certify Very Light Body Armor (VLBA) plates that are capable of defeating a variety of ballistic threats. The VLBA plates will be designed using a titanium allow based metallic-composite armor system to provide cost-effective, lightweight protection. Composite facing and backing materials will be utilized to minimize the effects of front-face spall and rear-face deformation. Commercially available titanium alloys (Ti-6A1-4V, Ti-6A1-6V-2Sn) will be evaluated for the VLBA plate application. Titanium cost will be minimized by ordering to industry standard or commercial specifications for alloy chemistry; performance will be mazimized by specifying a heat-treatment schedule developed specifically for armor. Ballistic testing will be conducted to determine required thickness for the titanium and composite armor materials. NIJ-style ballistic testing (using a clay backing) will be conducted on the final design in preparation for SBIR Phase II NIJ Certification efforts. |
| MATERIALS MODIFICATION,
INC. 2929 Eskridge Road, P-1, Eskridge Center Fairfax, VA 22031 |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(703) 560-1371 T. S. Sudarshan ARMY 97-013 |
| Title: | Synthesis and Consolidation of Nanoceramics for Armor |
| Abstract: | The present proposal describes the synthesis of nano TiB(2) and SiC powders and its consolidation into dense shapes suitable for use as lightweight armor. Particles in the size range of 10 nm to 300 nm will be synthesized by a plasma chemical synthesis (PCS) technique at Materials Modification, Inc. (MMI). During Phase I, they will be consolidated by an ultrahigh plasma pressure system at MMI into dense specimens to study mechanical properties, microstructure, density and consolidation parameters. Application of fast, ultrahigh pressures up to 1 GPa on 5 cm diameter x 1 cm thick specimens - will permit retention of grain sizes in the 50 to 100 nm range. The goal of Phase I is to characterize density, microstructure, and preliminary mechanical propenies - e.g. hardness and high strain rate compressive strength - of fully dense TiB(2) and SiC monolithic, homogeneous specimens. In Phase II we will produce dense plates of each material suitable for ballistic test against small caliber (up to 0.50 caliber) penetrators, e.g. 4 in to 6 in diameter x 0.5 in thick plates. We will also demonstrate graded sections TiB(2) to metallic layers such as Ti, the purpose of which is to increase multi-hit capability and to permit possible bonding to vehicular structures. In any case such metallic layers will reduce "behind armor" effects by reducing spall generation due to projecule impact. BENEFITS: Such dense, lightweight ceramics will constitute a "second generation" of ceramic armor materials to replace current materials used for military and civilian (police, fire fighter, govermient and private security personnel) personnel armor and vehicular armor used for "small arms" protection (e.g. 0.30 and 0.50 caliber and 5.56 mm). |
*** Gun with a bendable barrel!
| TRITON SYSTEMS, INC.
200 Turnpike Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(978) 250-4200 Mr. James Burnett NAVY 99-144 |
| Title: | Aimable 200 Caliber MMC Gun for Naval Surface Fire Support |
| Abstract: | Naval Surface Fire Support NSFS initiatives require a 160-200 caliber 5" gun barrel that 1), can be installed and operated below deck 2), allows active and passive reduction of thermal, radar, and muzzle blast signatures and 3), allows elevation and train over a limited arc without dominating the ship through its shear size and weight. The "key feature of this barrel is a vertical mounting, with a bendable barrel to provide train and elevation over a limited arc of approximately 20 degrees". This configuration meets thermal, and radar signature requirements for this advanced system. Triton Systems proposes to design this "bendable barrel" using an innovative structure of silicon carbide reinforced titanium metal matrix composite combined with an active cooling layer in aluminum alloy. The proposed structure will withstand the hoop stress of the shot firing and the strain produced by the bending of the barrel. The strain limited fatigue property of the Ti/SiC at elevated temperature will be determined experimentally. Processing protocols for application of the aluminum alloy active cooling channels to the barrel will be determined. At the end of the program, the feasibility of creating a "bendable barrel" and adding active cooling to the composite barrel will be determined. |
ORBITAL RESEARCH, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(216) 791-6749 Ravi Vaidyanathan AF 99-188 |
| Title: | Biologically Inspired Target Seeking Reflex for Autonomous Munitions |
| Abstract: | Animals must integrate large amounts of sensor information to orient movement towards goals and away from threats, often in milliseconds, to survive. Identical directives are faced by autonomous munitions; particularly rapid assimilation of surroundings and instantaneous target seeking. Nature, through evolution and natural selection, has optimized this behavior. In particular, insects initiate actions reflexively in situations where no time for detailed information processing or planned decision making is possible. Possession of similar capabilities would increase the performance, speed and accuracy of all weapons systems. Orbital Research proposes developing an insect-like set of artificial reflexes - BioSeek - to enable autonomous munitions instant targeting and replanning capability. BioSeek will unionize two innovative biologically inspired technologies. The first, the Biologically Inspired Autonomous Vehicle Escape Reflex Tactic, or BioAVERT is a.neural map of an insect's motion reflex. The second, the Mulitresolution Automated Path Planning Evolutionary Routing or MAPPER genetic algorithm, is an automated path planner mimicking natural selection. The BioSeek targeting reflex will invert BiOAVERT for instantaneous targeting for autonomous munitions by implementing MAPPER to generate base sets of targeting patterns, then feeding them to BioAVERT to instantly elicit appropriate targeting patterns while still avoiding collisions with obstacles other than the target. Feasibility will be demonstrated by constructing a vehicle showing insect-like reflexes. |
IAP RESEARCH, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(937) 296-1806 Duane Newman NAVY 99-013 |
| Title: | Metal/Water Based Energetic Materials for Use in Military and Commercial Demolition Operations |
| Abstract: | IAP Research, Inc. proposes to integrate a (metal-water) energetic materials reaction with linear shaped charge technology. Our preliminary assessment of an aluminum-water reaction indicates that energy outputs of 15 KJ/cc, approximately twice conventional explosives, are attainable. The proposed Phase I will show the feasibility of achieving the required performance for use with military and commercial demolition munitions. The Phase II effort will focus on the full scale development for commercial and military demolition and salvage operations. |
SHOCK TRANSIENTS, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(612) 944-3539 David Davison NAVY 99-013 |
| Title: | Safe, Energetic Metafex Linear Shaped Charges for Salvage and Obstacle Clearance Operations |
| Abstract: | Metafex (for metal-fueled explosive replacement) combines the technologies of explosive reaction thermochemistry and pulsed electrical power. The technology will make systems formerly requiring hazardous explosives not only safer and more energetic but also less environmentally disruptive and lower in cost. Analysis shows that Metafex energy densities are more than twice as great as those of conventional explosives. Because the energy density is greater, weapon components can be made smaller and/or more effective, yet safer, if they use Metafex in place of explosives. There are many US Navy applications, including linear shaped charges (LSC's) for salvage and obstacle clearance operations. By replacing the high explosive with Metafex, LSC's will be safer. Because they will be safer, they will be less costly to manufacture, to ship, and to use. Also, disposal of obsolete ordnance will be non-hazardous. In contrast to conventional ones, the proposed LSC's require no explosives. They are environmentally benign, can be safely shipped anywhere; and need no special handling. They will be inert until activated by energetic electrical pulses. In Phase I of the proposed project, Metafex test samples will be built and tested, and the technology will be adapted for use in LSC's. |
TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(248) 625-2990 Vern E. Brooks AF 99-179 |
| Title: | Low-Cost Propulsion System for Smart Munitions |
| Abstract: | This program will provide a unique low-cost propulsion system for the Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) weapon and other smart miniature munition systems. The initial phase of this program will start prior to the SBIR program and will be supported by commercial funding to accelerate the schedule for the design and hardware fabrication. The commercial funding will continue on a parallel basis during the SBIR Phase I effort so that this development program can keep pace with a critical vehicle development schedule. The combined program will provide operational engine-generator hardware that is ready for performance development and environmental testing during the SBIR Phase II portion of the program. This new turbojet engine will use existing production turbocharger rotating components, and a direct shaft mounted generator that will provide all of the vehicle electrical power for the 30-minute operating life. The engine will be configured from a proven base technology that has already demonstrated the features of compact configuration, easy starting, and fuel lubricated bearings. The current state-of-the-art for the cost of these small engines is 20% of the total vehicle cost, and the long-range cost objective for this engine system is to approach 10% of the total vehicle cost. |
CERAMIC COMPOSITES, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(301) 261-8373 Mark Patterson DARPA 95-005 |
| Title: Conformable Body Armor-Toughened by Continuous Fiber Reinforcement | |
| Abstract: The present focus for light weight body armor requires that materials properties are optimized and that new and innovative techniques are incorporated to achieve the required ballistic performance and make these materials conformable to the body shape. Through the lamination of ceramic tapes, graded structures can be fabricated, to elimate impedance mis-match and incorporate a continuous fiber reinforced matte on both surfaces. Through the green forming of these ceramic laminated tapes with existing metal forming techniques, shaped armor can be constructed for use on extremities. This will allow complete joint articulation without loss of mobility. This proposal will address the goals of achieving level IV protection with an areal density of less than 5PSF and comformable extremity armor with an areal density of less than 2.5 PSF. Anticipated Benefits: The benefits to both military and civilian personnel will be increased ballistic protection over a larger body area than at present, and at a lower weight. | |
FOSTER-MILLER, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(617) 890-3200 Robert Kovar DARPA 96-005 |
| Title: Bullet Deflecting Armor System for Ground Troops | |
| Abstract: Current standard military body armor and helmets are designed to stop fragments, not bullets. A soldier's survivability and effectiveness will be enhanced by a new light weight body armor and helmet system which deflects bullets rather than stopping them. By covering all the oblique areas the soldier presents to the enemy in his standard fighting positions, the armor system will significantly reduce his vulnerable silhouette area making it more difficult for the enemy to score a lethal hit. This Phase I project will develop and test flat plate samples of armor using light weight materials and several innovative designs and configurations. Foster-Miller will employ its expertise in materials, physics and ballistic protection to deliver a detailed armor system concept for the individual, complete with weight estimates, ballistic coverage, ballistic holes and bullet deflection paths. The concepts for flat plate testing will include surface modification of existing ballistic materials, the incorporation of slip planes designed to separate from the armor taking the projectile with it, with an overall construction of novel design. Based on the results of this testing, combinations of these concepts may be proposed for the final system. The Phase II program will develop an actual system which could be used by the military along with law enforcement personnel and private citizen use. | |
GARMAN SYSTEMS, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(615) 292-7022 Jeffrey S. N. Paine DARPA 96-005 |
| Title: Design of Superelastic Nitinol Enhanced Puncture Resistant Armor | |
| Abstract: Proposed is an investigation into the use of flexible, extremely strong and tough, superelastic Nitinol shape memory alloy as a means of dramatically improving puncture resistance for personnel body armor. The Nitinol material is proposed as a surface material or coating for reinforcement or organic fiber fabrics and/or composites or aramid and UHMW polyethylene used in the current body armor systems for military and police personnel. These Nitinol enhanced material systems will benefit users by providing bullet blunting protection and deflection without dramatically increasing the weight of the lightweight composite protective clothing. The armor would benefit from the improved cut and puncture resistance and improved flexibility that the Nitinol would give the protective clothing over present fabric and material systems used. Superelastic Nitinol is a flexible (almost rubber-like), very tough (4 time the stored energy of high strength steel) metal alloy of nickel and titanium. Known for its shape memory response at one temperature phase, Nitinol exhibits a superelastic (fully elastic and recoverable strain limit of 8-10%) response when used in the appropriate temperature phase. In the superelastic phase, tests have demonstrated its ability to increase puncture resistance for certain materials by 100%. | |
MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL
RESEARCH |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(602) 574-1980 J.C. Withers DARPA 96-005 |
| Title: Novel Lightweight Materials and Designs to Deflect Bullets for Body Armor and Helmets | |
| Abstract: Current standard military armor is designed to stop fragments or bullets. Another concept of protection is through deflection of bullets as compared to today's heavyweight concepts of protection through stopping the bullet. Deflection instead of stopping the bullet could lead to extremely lightweight body armor, extremity armor and helmets for soldiers in standing or prone fighting positions. A combination of materials and obliquity of the surface from the threat, offers a potential to protect a soldier in the standing or prone position. This program proposes to develop novel materials compositions, surface tribology and concept designs for integration onto the individual with weight estimates, ballistic coverage, ballistic holes and bullet deflection paths. The goal is to achieve deflection at 1.5 to 2 lbs/ft2 and within the current helmet weight of 3.3 lbs. | |
ULTRAMET |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(818) 899-0236 Andrew Sherman DARPA 96-071 |
| Title: Tungsten Composite Self-Forging Fragmenting Warhead | |
| Abstract: Fragmenting warheads offer a high kill radius and lethality against lightly armored targets such as aircraft, personnel carriers, entrenched personnel, missiles, and spacecraft. Increasing the density and controlling the size, shape, and velocity of the fragments can greatly increase warhead lethality and standoff capabilities through an approach called a self-forging fragmenting warhead, which combines explosively formed penetrator and fragmenting munitions technology. Further extension of this technology requires the development of small EFPs that produce fragments with high ballistic coefficients and stability, meaning high sectional density, fin-stabilized projectile formation. Tungsten is one of (if not the) most attractive materials for this purpose, being low in cost and having a higher density than depleted uranium or tantalum. However, while finned EFPS have been demonstrated by wave-shaping in tantalum, copper, and steel, conventional tungsten and tungsten heavy metal alloys possess insufficient ductility below 1000 C to form high L/D finned projectiles. As a result, current tungsten self-forging fragmenting warhead designs have poor material yield (material actually formed into the penetrator rod or ball), and no high L/D or finned tungsten EFPs have yet been developed. In this Phase I project, Ultramet proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of producing tungsten heavy metal composites having sufficient ductility for finned EFP formation, and fabricating tungsten EFP designs showing fin formation. Specifically, micron and submicron grain size tungsten heavy metal composites will be developed having optimal, non-equilibrium microstructures in nickel-iron and iron matrices, and initial EFP lens designs will be developed leading to finned tungsten. | |
VERITAY TECHNOLOGY, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(716) 689-0177 Andrew Crickenberger DARPA 95-005 |
| Title: Enhanced Individual Body Armor: Novel Approach to Achieving Significantly Improved Torso, Abdominal, and Extremity Protection | |
| Abstract: U.S. military forces are becoming increasingly involved in a variety of actions such as counter-terrorism, counter-drug, disaster relief, and nation assistance [collectively termed Operation Other than War(OOTW)] that have much in common with civilian law enforcement (LE). Consequently, military OOTW and civilian LE have overlapping technology needs---one of the most important of which is effective, affordable, and comfortable personnel protection against increasing threat levels and multiple-hit probabilities. Veritay Technology, Inc., has conceived a novel defeat mechanism , which when couple with a variety of proprietary design architectures for both hard and soft body armor, holds the promise of near-term market entry by leveraging existing and "soon-to-be-available" materials, textile technologies, and manufacturing processes. Working in conjunction with experts from the NYS Center for Advance Ceramics at Alfred University and the US Army Natick RDEC during Phase I, Veritay proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of employing a unique defeat mechanism to achieve improved systems performance (e.g., multiple hit, reduced weight, etc.) via relatively minor modifications to current individual protective body armor components. Phase II will be devoted to demonstrating the potential of this technology to significantly enhance both performance and affordability through the adoption of proprietary system designs and architectures. Anticipated Military Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development: Potential benefits arising from the proposed work include rapid near-term market entry, caualty reduction, and cost savings through the application of incremental improvements to currently available body armor system components. Long-term benefits include increased world market share through the introduction of significantly enhanced total body armor system designs. | |
*** This next one is so far out in left field, I wasn’t sure where to put it!
| SRS TECHNOLOGIES 500 Discovery Dr. Huntsville, AL 35806 |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(205) 971-7836 Hill Roberts AF 98-100 |
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| Title: | Demo of Lethality of a Hot Isomeric Transitions Warhead Concept & Related Commercial Applications | |
| Abstract: | SRS Technologies proposes to define the isomer radiation requirements for biological lethality to implement a warhead concept for use in biological storage bunker sterilization and ballistic missile defense applications. We propose to develop a demonstration experiment to show that the radiation from a 178Hf isomer would be suitable to neutralize lethal biological materials. We also propose to show how isomer-produced gamma radiation could be useful to other defense and commercial applications in eight ares, including:1. high energy lasers2. communications 3. industrial gamma radiation sources 4. food preparation (sterilization) 5. medical irradiation 6. power & energy applications 7. environmental cleanup 8. defense applications | |
DEFENSE RESEARCH ASSOC., INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(937) 254-3655 RALPH NIETER AF 98-171 |
| Title: | NEW FALSE ALARM REDUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR INFRARED MISSILE WARNING SYSTEMS |
| Abstract: | The objective of this effort is to develop a low cost infrared countermeasures sytem to protect commercial aircraft from shoulder launched, infrared guided missiles. DRA proposes to harness leading edge technologies to detect, track and counter these lethal threats. The proposed concept incorporates low cost visual technologies for detection and tracking of missiles and a minin-gimbal technology for the pointing of low cost semiconductor lasers. Candidate sensor are evaluated for the ability to address this probelm. Critical sensor parameters to be considered include the detection range, backgrond clutter, detection envelope, processing time and detection reliability. Selected candidate sensors will be taken to the field for collection of raw signature and background data. The operational requirements will be exhaustively scrubbed though the iterative application of a structured dialog with the User community. A top level system design and a defining system specification for a low cost infrared countermeasures system are the two key products. |
CAPE COD RESEARCH, INC. |
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| Phone: PI: Topic#: |
(508) 540-4400 Mr Francis L. Keohan AF 98-194 |
| Title: | Polymer-Modified Ceramics for Composite Airframe with Improved Ballistic Resistance |
| Abstract: | A new type of ceramic-thermoplastic material is proposed for fabricating composite armor. The proposed research explores the feasibility of modifying sukucate-based ceramics with thermoplastic toughening agents to produce a new class of composite matrix resins. The novel gradient morphologies predicted for these hybrid systems will be used to improve matrix-reinforcement compatibility and overall composite ballistic resistance. The outer layers of the matrix resin will exhibit the hardness of inorganic glass while the inner layers will provide compliance to maximize shock wave propagation throughout the reinforcing fabric plies. The proposed matrix resin system can potentially be used in resin transfer molding (RTM). State-of-the-art polyaramide textile reinforcements will be used with these matrix resins to fabricate high-impact resistant composites. The ultimate objective is to develop an easily processed composite with high strength and hardness, low density, and the impact resistance required to survive a variety of ballistic threats. In the proposed study, the methodology for preparing these novel ceramic hybrids will be developed an structure-property profiles determined. The resulting material property relationships will be used in the design and fabrication of new composite-based airframes with high survivability. |