Composite Materials Capability

Overview The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), on behalf of GWEO, is seeking to explore current domestic capability in making carbon fibre/resin systems for applications such as composite rocket motor cases. DSTG is seeking to begin to understand the potential performance and cost of these systems in a filament wound setting through a process of deliberate small-scale demonstrations, partnering with Australian industry. The activity is proposed to occur via a gated two-phase Statement of Work (SoW). This SoW relates to Phase 0 activities only, being delivery of a proposed manufacture and test plan in order to execute manufacturing on a domestic composite material. Phase 1, which is not covered in this SoW, should it occur, will result in delivery of a domestically manufactured composite with associated data in consultation with DSTG. This includes manufacture of specific test hardware for four filament wound composite standard 5.75 inch test bottles (design to be supplied by DSTG), tested, with one test bottle provided to DSTG. Provision of the Phase 0 deliverable under this purchase order does not indicate or infer any presumption of conducting follow-on Phase 1 activities. Scope The scope includes: Quantifying the performance and viability of domestically sourced carbon fibre tow, paired with either domestic or Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) resin systems, for suitability in tactical solid rocket motor cases Conducting sub-scale testing to establish the extant material properties achieved and determine target goals for future materials development and improvement Evaluating manufacturing challenges and cost drivers Delivering a Phase 0 Proposed Test and Execution Plan detailing the proposed manufacture and evaluation of samples to quantify the performance of domestically produced carbon fibre in a continuous tow, via pre-preg or wet-winding As a notional performance target, the resultant cured continuous tow matrix (resin and fibre) should have a UTS greater than 3 GPa when cured with an appropriate resin, although this target would ideally be further refined prior to commencement of composite manufacture. DSTG will retain the foreground IP on manufacturing of the composite. Contract Terms and Conditions Deliverable: Proposed Test and Execution Plan, due ED+2 months (ED being the Execution Date) Timeframe for delivery: 60 days Eligibility The supplier must be an Australian owned business Instructions to Tenderers Tender responses are to be submitted electronically via the AusTender website www.tenders.gov.au using the 'Lodgement Page' link on this tender notification. Enquiries Contact: Aleksandra.wojcik Email: complexprocurement.edinburgh@defence.gov.au