Materials Needs and R&D Strategy for Future Military Aerospace Propulsion Systems (2011)
Chapter: Appendix A: Statement of Task
A
Statement of Task
The committee will:
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Examine whether current and planned U.S. R&D efforts in materials for aerospace propulsion are sufficient (a) to meet U.S. military needs and (b) to keep the U.S. on the leading edge of propulsion technology.
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Consider mechanisms for the timely insertion of materials in propulsion systems and, if necessary, how these mechanisms might be improved.
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Consider mechanisms in place that retain intellectual property (IP) securely and how IP might be secured in future R&D programs.
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Describe the general elements of an R&D strategy to develop materials for future military aerospace propulsion systems.
The committee will consider both air breathing and self contained fuel/oxidizer systems including scramjet capabilities and take account of: (a) fuel-efficiency and materials-technology challenges at both subsonic and supersonic (up to Mach 5); (b) findings and recommendations in the recent NRC report entitled A Review of United States Air Force and Department of Defense Aerospace Propulsion Needs issued in 2006; (c) the impact of current non-U.S. investments in propulsion materials technologies; (d) the lead time for insertion of new materials into aerospace propulsion technologies and what would it take to shorten the timeline, if it is too long; and (e) the evolution of U.S. R&D on materials for aerospace propulsion with due consideration of:
