Abstract: A lightning strike mitigation system for protecting a surface includes an inner insulating layer adjacent a surface to be protected, an outer insulating layer, and an intermediate layer formed from an electrically conductive material between the inner and outer insulating layers. The inner and outer insulating layers may be formed from an ablative insulating material containing no metal fill, an ablative insulating material containing a 15% Ni fill, or an ablative insulating material containing a 30% Ni fill. The electrically conductive material may be a mesh material or a foil material formed from an electrically conductive material or materials.

Abstract: A composite material and method of manufacture involve a mixture of an epoxy resin and a hardener being essentially free of methylenedianiline and vinylcyclohexene dioxide. A fiber reinforcement is located within the matrix. Advantageously, the matrix has a glass transition temperature of at least 250° F. dry, the resin has a pre-hardening mixed viscosity of 500–1500 cP at 75° F., and the composite material has, upon hardening, an interlaminar shear strength of at least 6.5 ksi dry at 75° F. and at least 3.5 ksi dry at 250° F.

Abstract: Composite polar bosses applied in rocket motor cases have very desirable characteristics. The lead time for a boss can be reduced from 6-12 months to 4-6 months. Weight savings for the boss/nozzle assembly are about 20-40 percent. A composite polar boss which attaches nozzle assemblies to solid fueled rocket motor cases is disclosed. This polar boss is a carbonized fabrication which sits within a circumferential indentation within the motor case, and has a threaded inner circumference which permits the nozzle assembly to be attached thereto. The materials of the boss are selected to permit a service temperature of up to 3,200 degrees F.

Abstract: Composite polar bosses applied in rocket motor cases have very desirable characteristics. The lead time for a boss can be reduced from 6-12 months to 2-3 months. Weight savings for the boss are about 20-40%. A composite polar boss which attaches closures to solid fueled rocket motor cases is disclosed. This polar boss is a carbonized fabrication which sits within a circumferential indentation within the motor case, and has a threaded inner circumference which permits the closure to be attached thereto. The materials of the boss are selected to permit a service temperature of 350 degrees F.

Abstract: A universal joint permitting relative angular deflection of two members, vided with transverse stiffness augmentation means which minimize rotational performance penalties. One member contemplates a receptacle adapted to receive in spaced-apart relation therefrom an annular plug formed on the other member. A rolling seal is positioned between the receptacle and plug. Tabs, segments or rings are placed on the annular plug and/or the confronting wall of said one member to increase the transverse stiffness under all load conditions, particularly at angle orientations of the aforesaid two members.