Improved Electrical Contact Materials for Extremely High Current Sliding Contact Materials Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-069 Topic Title: Improved Electrical Contact Materials for Extremely High Current Sliding Contact Materials Proposal No.: N091-069-0684 Firm: QuesTek Innovations LLC 1820 Ridge Avenue Evanston, Illinois 60201-3621 Contact: Jason Sebastian Phone: (847) 328-5800 Web Site: www.questek.com Abstract: QuesTek proposes to apply its Materials by Designr technology to the design and development of a new material for Navy railgun armature applications. Microstructural concepts for new alloy designs will focus on improved strength, on improved conductivity (electrical and thermal), increased heat capacity, and on reduced reactivity (specifically, interactions between the armature and rail materials). In all cases, it is not simply the ambient properties that are important, but also their dependence on temperature-the railgun environment is a dynamic one where temperatures rise rapidly, and where local melting of the armature at the rail/armature interface is ubiquitous. An important aspect of QuesTek's alloy design will be the mitigation of so-called "liquation cracking" in current armature materials. In the SBIR program, we will work closely with our OEM partner (General Atomics) to carefully define the critical property and performance criteria for advanced armatures. Prototype alloy designs will be produced and tested at laboratory scale in Phase I. In Phase II, final alloy designs could be produced at intermediate scale, and actual armatures could be fabricated and tested in conjunction with our OEM partner. Benefits: Railgun technologies represent the next-generation of projectile systems for military applications. The materials environment experienced by railgun armatures and rails is extreme, and current available materials do not exhibit good performance. A holistic approach to materials selection and design for the entire rail/interface/armature system is required in order to address critical issues such as armature performance, rail life, etc. The development of new alloys with improved performance in railgun armature applications would be considered a major advancement towards the overall goals of the Navy's railgun program. Return