The Nonmetals Engineering Branch conducts applied research using state-of-the-art facilities to develop new and enabling technologies for space vehicles and propulsion systems. The primary focus of the Branch is to perform research and development (R&D) and to serve as a consulting, performing, and approving activity for relevant aspects of nonmetallic materials technology. Research and development efforts encompass the areas of advanced composites, thermal and cryogenic insulation, structural adhesives, rapid prototyping, process simulation and advanced manufacturing, optical benches, elastomeric seals, advanced glasses/ceramics, and environmentally-safe material replacements. To meet these requirements, the Branch is divided into four disciplines, with contact information as follows:
Points of Contact:
Dr. Frank E. Ledbetter
Branch Chief
(256) 544-2673
Mindy Niedermeyer
Deputy Branch Chief
(256) 544-1569
Deidre Foster
MSA
(256) 544-2295
Nonmetals Engineering Teams
Develops, evaluates, selects, and/or approves processing and manufacturing techniques or modifications for use by MSFC and contractors.
Tests and evaluates materials for physical characteristics and engineering properties of metallic, nonmetallic, and composite materials for aerospace applications.
Provides materials testing services to generate mechanical properties, wear characteristics of lubricants, chemistry, flammability, materials toxicity, and thermal vacuum stability.
Initiates, performs, directs, and coordinates research and development in the areas of contamination and space environmental effects.
Develops and evaluates instrumentation, systems, methods, and specifications for nondestructive evaluation of materials, devices, components, and structures.
Guides and directs advancement of damage tolerance and fracture control tools, standards, and problem resolution.
Provides research, technology, engineering support and consultation in materials and manufacturing processes, including chemistry, composition, characteristics and behavior of metals and nonmetals.
Establishes materials and manufacturing processes for design applications and provides fabrication support for flight hardware.
Conducts materials diagnostics functions including failure analysis and problem resolution of flight, qualification, and development hardware.
Points of Contact:
Mike Prince
Polymers and
Composites Engineering Team, Team Lead
(256) 544-2678
Carl Lester
Ceramics
and Ablatives Engineering Team, Acting
Team Lead
(256) 544-4804
Majid Babai
Nonmetallic Processes Team,
Acting Team Lead
(256) 544-2795
Brett Smith
Composites Manufacturing
Team
(256) 544-7036
Photo Gallery
The following photos highlight the capabilities
and accomplishments of the Nonmetallic Engineering
Branch.
6-Foot Diameter LH2 Composite Tank in
Composite Processing Lab; Advanced Composites
to Play Key Role in Exploration Initiative
M&P Engineers Were Pivotal in Developing
On-Orbit RCC Repair Techniques for Shuttle
Wing Leading Edge
Plasma Torch Test Bed Facility Evaluated
Candidate Materials for Shuttle On-Orbit
Repair of Damaged Thermal Protection Systems
Collaborative Engineering Played a Key
Role on the Shuttle Foam Impact Debris
Team: Provided Accurate, 3-D Modeling
to Enable Prediction of Foam Debris Impact
Area
Spray On Foam Insulation Facility Investigates
Foam Debris Issues During Shuttle Return
to Flight
Marshall Convergent Coating External Insulation
Flew on Shuttle, Sea Launch, Titan IV,
and Delta IV; Upcoming Thermal Management
Coatings Could Be Used on New Crew Exploration
Vehicles
Rapid Prototyping of Parts from a Variety
of Machines, Techniques, and Materials.
Technology Could Be Critical for Deep
Space and Planetary Missions
Shuttle ET Composite Nosecone Production
at the National Center for Advanced Manufacturing
(NCAM) Showcases Our Ability to Fabricate
Cutting-Edge Flight Components
Materials are Tested in Subscale Motor
Firings; Is an Important Part of Propulsion
System Development
Shuttle SRB Insulation and Coatings Hydroblast
Stripping Technology Developed by M&P
and Accessibility
Certification
