NASA/Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 144, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681-0001

A -- MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGY FOR AEROSPACE SYSTEMS SOL SS286 DUE 042198 POC Linda P. Fitzgerald, Procurement Analyst, Phone (757)-864-2461, Fax (757) 864-7898, Email L.P.FITZGERALD@ larc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/LaRC/date.html#SS286. E-MAIL: Linda P. Fitzgerald, L.P.FITZGERALD@larc.nasa.gov. NASA Langley Research Center is hereby soliciting information for potential sources for Materials and Structures Technology for Aerospace Systems. NASA has embarked on a program of research in civil aviation and space that is driven by three major thrusts. The first of these thrusts is improvement of air transportation system safety, affordability, and environmental compatibility including technology for a ten-fold improvement in flight safety, a 50% reduction in the cost of air travel, and aggressive reductions in aircraft noise and emissions over the next 20 years. The second thrust is the revolutionizing of air travel in the way in which aircraft are designed, built, and operated. The goals of this thrust are to reduce overseas travel time by 50%, to expand the general aviation market, and to decrease aircraft concept-to-certification cycle time by 50%. The third thrust involves the achievement of a ten-fold reduction in the cost of placing payloads in low earth orbit through integration of aeronautical principles with commercial launch vehicles. The objectives of this activity is to provide structures and materials research and development efforts which directly addresses the thrusts mentioned above. Specific objectives include research and development in materials and structures technology related to aerospace vehicles. Specifically, research and development in structures technology involves structural mechanics, structural dynamics, aeroelasticity, thermal structures, and computational structures. Research and development in materials technology involves composites and polymers, mechanics of materials, metallic materials, nondestructive evaluation sciences, and environmental interactions. The objective associated with structural mechanics is to conduct analytical and experimental research on the response of complex structures subjected to static and dynamic loads, explore basic behavior, and develop advanced methods of analysis and design. The research would also confirm the validity of analysis by conducting tests of elements and large-scale structural models. The objective associated with structural dynamics is to conduct analytical and experimental research for the purpose of developing and validating improved methods to predict, verify, and control complex aircraft and space structures dynamic responses. This research would also confirm the validity of approaches by conducting tests on full-scale structures, structural elements and scaled structural models. The objective in aeroelastic research is to develop the understanding of aeroelastic phenomena and prediction capabilities needed to apply new aerodynamics and structural concepts to future flight vehicles. The research would also determine and solve the aeroelastic problems of current designs. The objective associated with thermal structures is to conduct analytical and experimental research to understand the behavior of complex structures subject to static and time-varying mechanical and thermal loads. The objective associated with computationalstructures is to conduct research in the development of advanced computational methods for the design and response prediction of complex aerospace vehicles which are subject to static, dynamic and thermal loads. The objective associated with composites and polymers is to conduct fundamental and applied research studies combining the disciplines of advanced polymer synthesis, composites, adhesives processing science, and advanced characterization methodology. The purpose is to develop improved materials concepts for efficient aerospace structures. The objective of research in the mechanics of materials is to develop the mechanics characterization of advanced materials for airframe and spacecraft structural applications. This characterization takes the form of mechanics-based mathematical models that provide the material descriptions required to predict the deformation, strength, and life of advanced materials in complex aerospace structures. The objective of research in metallic materials is to gain a better understanding and practical use of advanced light metal alloys and metal matrix composites in response to NASA and industry requirements for aerospace structural applications. The objective of research in nondestructive evaluation sciences is to develop, and apply advanced measurement techniques that relate quantitative nondestructive evaluation sciences physical/engineering materials and structures characterization. Techniques include new applications using properties of ultrasound, acoustic emission, acoustic microscopy, magnetics, optics, radiography, fiber optics, computed tomography, and thermography. The objective of research in environmental interactions is to gain a better understanding and practical use of advanced materials and systems for aircraft and spacecraft applications. Particular emphasis is placed on structural materials, optical materials and coatings, organic materials representative of human tissue, and electronic materials. The activity is expected to span a five year period of performance commencing January 1, 1999 on a cost reimbursement basis. Firms having the required specialized capabilities to conduct research in all of the above requirements should submit a capability statement of 10 pages or less indicating the ability to perform the effort as described above. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the CBD and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor these cites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. Technical questions should be directed to Jacqueline Smith at 757-864-3003 or e-mail: jacqueline.g.smith@larc.nasa.gov. Procurement related questions should be directed to: Tom Weih at 757-864-3878 or e-mail: c.t.weih@larc.nasa.gov. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is 8731 with a size standard of 1,500 employees. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment bythe Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based on responses hereto. All responses shall be submitted to NASA Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 144, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681 no later April 21, 1998. In responding reference SS286. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nnots.htm. (0097)

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