MXOD Flight 1: Structural Architecture & Material Selection

The Mach 10 Oblique Detonation (MXOD) flight program is a series of detonation-based flight experiments. The first of these seeks to stabilize an Oblique Detonation Wave (ODW) and begin examining the fundamental physics behind this phenomenon. This experiment is a first in detonation research and relies on novel solutions to both the materials and structures payload design. At high speed conditions (Mach > 5), intense heating along the surface of the body heavily dictates the design. Additionally, the ODW phenomena adds localized heating on parts of the payload significantly cooler when compared to a similar non-reacting geometry. A first order method for material selection is presented, as well as the rationale for each choice. The overall structural architecture and design philosophy is discussed. Components are currently being manufactured, with assembly to follow in the coming months.