Large, high energy, particle-tracking detectors are now being planned for space-based instruments like the Gamma-Ray Large Area Telescope (GLAST). These detectors require ultra-stable, passively-cooled, low-radiation-length, low-mass support structures. Although carbon-carbon composites have these uniquely desirable properties, they have not yet been used or qualified as primary structural elements for space applications. This project will develop novel manufacturing techniques to allow production of ultra-light, space-qualified thermal/structural elements made of carbon-carbon composites. Phase I will identify various fabrication concepts for carbon-carbon thermo-structures with the required thermal conductivity and strength. The concepts will be rated on manufacturablity, expected thermal performance, and mechanical ability to survive launch. Key features of the most promising will be prototyped to demonstrate manufacturability with desired characteristics. Finally, a preliminary closeout frame will be designed, and its thermal and structural behavior will be predicted using numerical simulations.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The space qualified carbon-carbon closeout technology should be directly applicable to the tracker subsystems of the GLAST instrument, which could become the first, direct commercial application of this new technology. It should also greatly reduce multiple scattering problems and improve thermal management for that detector. The technology could then be generalized for applications in various space-based, ultra stable thermo-structures, such as optical benches.
