TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO SHIPS, PMS 385 - Strategic & Theater Sealift

OBJECTIVE: Exploit thermal management technologies, which incorporate a thermally and functionally stable non- skid surface, to form an integrated Flight Deck Thermal Management System (FDTMS) that mitigates the thermo- mechanical structural impact of Naval aircraft on aluminum flight decks.

DESCRIPTION: A successful FDTMS has been demonstrated on a steel deck with a V-22 aircraft, but the current solution is unsatisfactory for an aluminum deck interfacing with a higher heat flux generating aircraft. This topic seeks to explore alternative technologies that can spread, conduct, and/or dissipate heat with minimal structural thickness and minimal weight impact (potentially integrate with ship structures), are compatible with Navy non- skids, avoid generation of debris/products causing foreign object debris, and offer an affordable, durable, system capable of mitigating flight deck temperatures below threshold temperatures that alter aluminum mechanical properties, avoids damage to non-skids, and prevents aluminum deck damage. Without any impact from aircraft, the flight deck will be affected by its operational location and could have prevailing deck temperatures ranging from subzero temperatures (< 18°C) to about 65°C. The thermal management system may be installed above-deck and/or incorporated within the deck, but must not negatively impact any aircraft or deck operations.

PHASE I: Explore heat transfer technologies capable of mitigating thermal damage caused by exhaust plumes on aluminum decks from Naval and Marine Corps tilt-rotor aircraft and develop heat transfer models. Evaluate the ability of several thermal management systems to dissipate and spread heat with minimal thickness and minimal weight impact to the candidate ship and the ability to carry structural load and meet survivability requirements with and without applied Navy-approved non-skid coatings. Down-selection will be based on the ability to meet thermal and structural metrics such as: 1) heat capacity per unit area; 2) rate of heat dissipation per unit time; 3) ability to keep the deck temperature below that which would initiate degradation of the aluminum alloy deck structure; 4) mechanical robustness to handle aircraft weight; 5) resistance to aging from long-term thermal and/or mechanical effects; 6) resistance to fatigue from extreme temperature and shock conditions; and 7) system compatibility and adhesion to Navy metallic non-skids. The offeror needs to develop and use thermal models that confirm the viability of each thermal management technology option and how the technology will mitigate the aircraft heat. Describe a method to securely integrate the thermal management system with the ship and minimize the overall weight of the thermal management system. Technologies may include above or within deck solutions. Develop a Phase I Option and an initial Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Construct a small-scale thermal management system that will be tested per scale for its effectiveness in mitigating heat as a function of time; and in keeping deck temperatures below the threshold that cause degradation of the aluminum alloy deck structure. The thermal management system design must also show that it can be integrated with the ship and can be maintained over all time scales and flight operational profiles. Demonstrate that the system is capable of withstanding the impact of flight and deck logistical operations without loss of the thermal and mechanical performance of the thermal management system. If an above deck solution is chosen, demonstrate a fail-safe method of attachment to the deck without negative impact on flight operations. Produce a thermal management system that is compatible to shipyard construction practices. Update ship integrators, shipyards, and NAVSEA on progress.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Build and test a ¼ scale thermal management system for heat mitigation effectiveness, ability to be integrated to a simulated ship structure, resistance to anticipated mechanical stresses from deck operations and the ship itself, effects of service temperatures and weather, and compatibility with Navy metallic non-skid coatings. Work with Navy shipyards, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and the Marine Corps to minimize