SATPC0042898 Tab 04 4 SOW..pdf
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- Development of Zirconium Carbide and superior high temperature ceramics for nuclear fission applications.
- Solicitation number
- 80NSSC27945389Q
About this file
This is a Statement of Work (SOW) for the development of zirconium carbide (ZrC) composite test samples using Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST) for nuclear applications. The effort is sponsored by NASA Langley and focuses on creating ultra-high temperature ceramics capable of withstanding extreme radiation and temperatures exceeding 1500°C for potential use in nuclear thermal propulsion systems, lunar infrastructure, and commercial low-Earth orbit applications.
Phase 1 is a three-month seed phase with two primary tasks. Task 1.1 requires development of initial FAST parameters for optimal densification of zirconium carbide at target specimen coupon geometry (40 mm outer diameter x 5 mm discs) suitable for NASA hydrogen corrosion testing, with zirconium carbide powder to be procured by the vendor. Task 1.2 requires pressing 10 discs of zirconium carbide using the processing parameters and coupon geometries developed in Task 1.1. The primary deliverable is packaging and shipping the 10 discs produced in Task 1.2 to NASA for hydrogen corrosion and other relevant testing. The document indicates that Phase 1 funding has been approved with specific funding amounts redacted, and follow-on phases will be funded based on hydrogen corrosion test results for further refinements in FAST processes and optimization of physical characteristics.
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| SATPC0042898 Tab 07 Capability Statement.pdf | ||
| SATPC0042898 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf |
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Statement of Work (SOW)
Title: Development of Zirconium Carbide and Superior Ceramics for Nuclear Applications
Objectives: Develop Zirconium Carbide (ZrC) composite test samples using Field Assisted
Sintering technology (FAST) for hydrogen corrosion tests.
Background: ZrC belong to the class of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) and
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs). These represent a transformative opportunity to replace traditional metallic reactor components with materials capable of withstanding extreme radiation and temperatures exceeding 1500°C. High temperature ceramics such as zirconium carbide are uniquely stable at extreme conditions, such as high radiation and corrosive environments associated with nuclear systems. This concept aligns with the Ignition Initiative by shifting lunar technology from exploration-based prototypes to scalable, permanent infrastructure required for
MoonBase oxygen and water ice production. Beyond the lunar surface, these low-density, high-stability ceramics address the "mass gap" in space architecture, offering a competitive advantage for Commercial LEO applications like nuclear thermal propulsion and private space stations.
Ultimately, this focus establishes Langley as a leader in managing materials for extreme environments, bridging a vital gap in current nuclear databases and ensuring the safety and efficiency of future space power systems.
Work Plan: The development of ZrC is envisioned in three phases. Phase 1 is the seed phase in which test samples will be developed and tested for hydrogen corrosion. The funding approved for Phase 1 is Based on the hydrogen corrosion test results, follow-on phases will be funded for further refinements in FAST processes and optimization of physical characteristics.
The workplan for this Phase 1 effort consists of the following task:
Task 1.1: Develop initial Field-Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST) parameters for optimal densification of zirconium carbide at the target specimen coupon geometry (e.g., 40 mm OD x 5 mm discs) appropriate for nuclear-relevant NASA hydrogen corrosion testing. Zirconium carbide powder will be procured by the vendor.
Task 1.2: Press 10 discs of zirconium carbide of diameters according to processing and coupon geometries developed in Task 1.1 via FAST along with test characteristics.
Deliverables: Package and ship 10 discs produced from Task 1.2 to NASA for hydrogen corrosion and other relevant testing.
Duration: The duration of the seed Phase 1 is 3 months.
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