Abstract: A plurality of pan-shaped beams and supports of graphite/epoxy laminate mrial are mounted on a circular graphite/epoxy aft panel to form a symmetrical structure which is attached to the missile shell. Four main stiffening beams intersect at right angles to form a central square structure with the intersecting walls extending outward beyond the central square to the missile shell. Four diagonal stiffening beams are disposed across the corners within the central square to form a central hexagonal structure. Additional stiffness is provided by strut support beams oriented parallel to the main support beams and support ribs oriented perpendicular to the main support beams.

Abstract: A passive step trimmer for a maneuvering re-entry body (MRB) which uses existing inertial forces acting on the MRB to deploy a free flowing mass from the rear of the MRB to trim the MRB altitude. The mass deployment from the MRB causes a forward shift in the center of gravity (CG) which in turn creates a more stable body which flies at a reduced angle-of-attack (.alpha.).

Abstract: A microstrip antenna employing a rectangular radiating element having a Uaped slot oriented parallel to the length of the radiating element and employing a single feedline coplanar with the radiating element. The slotted radiating element has three resonances: a length resonance polarized parallel to the length of the element; a width resonance polarized parallel to the width of the element; and a slot resonance polarized parallel to the length of the element. By proper selection of the length and location of the slot, the frequency of the slot resonance can be placed such that a region of circular polarization occurs between the width resonance and the slot resonance. Alternatively, a region of circular polarization can be created between the length resonance and the width resonance since they are also polarized perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A process for fabricating graphite/epoxy tools where graphite/epoxy lamin is laid up on a mandrel to form an oversized shell which is subsequently machined to conform to the design dimensions.

Abstract: A vacuum bag autoclave type procedure for curing layers of phenolic resin pregnated fibrous material to form a composite structural part. A straight up heat rise cure cycle is employed in conjunction with a layup and bagging procedure that ensures a relatively free bleed of excess resin during cure and a high-capacity vacuum system for removal of volatiles generated during cure. This method of fabrication releases the majority of volatiles prior to gelation and produces a part having a pore structure that provides an escape path for gases generated during cure and postcure to prevent delamination.

Abstract: A heating system for curing rocket motors includes a plurality of separate lectrical resistance heating elements such as heating rods or cal-rod heaters. The system is floor mounted and has a cantilever supported heating section that is temporarily positioned and sealed within the interior of a rocket motor. The rocket motor is then slowly rotated wherein relative rotation between the rotating rocket motor and the stationary heating section is provided. A plurality of uniquely positioned heating elements are selectively activated at predetermined power levels to tailor proper heating of all interior surfaces of the rocket motor.