S. D. Miller and Associates Research Foundation (SMARF) is a nonprofit research foundation located in Flagstaff, Arizona. SMARF operates as an independent project under Congressional District Programs, and solicits projects with industrial and governmental sponsors that require research in high performance, high temperature materials.
SMARF developed a Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) under the Falcon hypersonic vehicle program. The material was required to withstand temperatures up to 3000 F, and mission duration was expected to be approximately one hour. SMARF developed the insulator material, supported testing, and worked with sponsors and the Prime Contractor to ensure integration of the insulator material in the Thermal Protection System (TPS). The research was sponsored by DARPA, NASA and Air force, through contracts administered by the University of Dayton Research Institute.
SMARF is currently developing a load-bearing TPS under NASA’s Hypersonics Program. The concept uses a ceramic honeycomb optimized to withstand structural loads, and SMARF’s insulator material as a filling in the honeycomb cells to reduce heat transfer through the panel. It is envisioned that this concept may be used in the Structural Integrated Thermal Protection System (SITPS) now being developed or as a stand-alone system.
For more information on SMARF or to contact them, please go to their website.