Fine Grained Conformal Spinel Window Blank
Navy SBIR FY2015.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2
Topic No.: N152-104
Topic Title: Fine Grained Conformal Spinel Window Blank
Proposal No.: N152-104-0353
Firm: Surmet Corporation
31 B Street
Burlington, Massachusetts 1803
Contact: Lee Goldman
Phone: (781) 345-5777
Abstract: In this Phase I, Surmet proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of producing near net shaped conformal window blanks from its spinel material. Surmet has produced ALON� domes and windows in a wide variety of sizes and shapes including parts with gentle and complex curvatures, and will apply the same processes to its spinel material. Surmet utilizes a sinter/HIP process to produce its spinel, which results in a material with a dramatically higher strength than hot pressing. Surmet has used this process to deliver over 1,000 spinel lenses to a major defense contractor for their targeting pods. However, inclusions typically found in our spinel material have limited its application. Surmet, in an effort to scale-up the spinel process, have already made process improvements that results in a dramatic reduction in the inclusions in our spinel. These improvements combined with our ALON processing knowledge, will allow Surmet to produce near net shaped, high strength, conformal spinel windows. In Phase II, the process will be scaled up to produce multiple uncracked, fully dense spinel window blanks per program requirements.
Benefits: The ability to produce near net shaped spinel window blanks will facilitate the development of future conformal sensor systems. Such systems will provide state of the art optical performance while decreasing aerodynamic drag and reducing electromagnetic shielding issues.

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