65402 Silicon-carbide-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC) composites are leading candidates for structural applications in fusion reactors. However, current methods of manufacturing SiC/SiC composites are slow and costly, and do not produce materials with the required… More

The mission of the U.S. Air Force has expanded to include responsibility for global intelligence and force projection-the ability to

Continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites (CFCCs) are inherently wear and oxidation resistant, retain strength at higher temperatures and have lower specific densities than competing metal systems. The hot sections of gas turbine engines and relateddevices are exposed to aggressive gaseous… More

Barrel erosion, which is produced by the combination of high temperature and pressure with aggressive propellant combustion products, and the action of the projectile, results in decreased muzzle velocities, increased projectile yaw, and decreasedaccuracy. New material designs are needed to… More

The mission of the U.S. Air Force has expanded to include responsibility for global intelligence and force projection-the ability to "reach out and touch someone" anywhere on Earth. To meet these mission requirements, the Air Force has greatly expandedits space technology development… More

"Barrel erosion, which is produced by the combination of hightemperature and pressure with aggressive propellant combustionproducts, and the action of the projectile, results in decreasedmuzzle velocities, increased projectile yaw, and decreasedaccuracy. New material designs are needed to mitigate… More

"Missile performance is currently limited by the available materials, particularly in the propulsion system. The development of non-eroding materials for rocket nozzles has the potential to increase missile performance and reduce motor component cost.Refractory metal ceramics are leading… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate a unique method of producing hybrid metal ceramic composite friction materials.Friction materials are the replacement elements in braking,clutch and transmission systems.In this effort,Thor Technologies,Inc.will team with Los… More

"Continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites (CFCCs) are inherently wear and oxidation resistant, retain strength at higher temperatures and have lower specific densities than competing metal systems. The hot sections of gas turbine engines and relateddevices are exposed to aggressive gaseous… More

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project will validate the polymer infiltration/microwave pyrolysis (PIMP) process and ceramic product whose feasibility was demonstrated in Phase I. The Phase I project demonstrated a reduction in pyrolysis time of greater than 90%; the Phase… More

Rocket motor performance is limited by the available materials of construction. Exotic metals, such as rhenium, have been used to fabricate valve bodies, nozzles and other hot-gas components, but rhenium is heavy, costly and difficult to work.Fiber-reinforced ceramics are lightweight materials that… More

The Common Aero Vehicle requires sharp leading edges on the forebody and control surfaces to maximize down- and cross-range capability. Current thermal protection structure materials do not posses the thermochemical stability to withstand the high aerothermal loads of sharp leading edges. Thor… More

Interest in silicon-carbide based optics continues to grow because of the material's low density, high stiffness, and other properties. Unfortunately, fabrication of optical quality surfaces on SiC is exceedingly slow and costly. Thor Technologies has teamed with the New Mexico Tech Optical… More

For Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV), Either a Rocket-based or Turbine-based Combined Cycle (RBCC or TBCC) engine will power the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). Both TBCC and RBCC engines include operation as a scramjet. The RBCC and TBCC environments are exceedingly hostile, and… More

In aircraft engines and transmissions, a loss-of-lubricant situation can result in catastrophic failure, and so expensive auxiliary lubrication systems that add significant weight to the airframe are required. Current coating materials do not provide adequate lubrication, and potentially improved… More

Military and commercial gas turbine engines used in aircraft, in ships, and for utility power generation require more durable and more reliable hot-section components to achieve their "design" service life. Less durable parts lead to increases in unscheduled (and costly) outages, inspections,… More

The next generation of hypersonic vehicles will require sharp leading edges on the forebody and control surfaces to maximize down- and cross-range capability. Current thermal protection structure materials do not posses the thermochemical stability to withstand the high aerothermal loads of sharp… More

The Phase I Project demonstrated the capability of the Pyrowave? manufacturing process to produce fiber-reinforced ceramics (FRCs) with integral metal features, such as attachment lugs or tubes. In addition, the Phase I Project demonstrated the utility of thermography as a simple, rapid, and… More

Desire to operate gas-turbine engines at higher gas temperatures, beyond melting points of metal airfoil components, for improved engine efficiency and performance, drives demand for more durable, less conductive ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) that insulate metals from hot gas streams. … More

Continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are desired for aerospace applications due to the strength and toughness imparted by incorporation of embedded long fibers of carbon or silicon carbide into a ceramic matrix. Oxidative degradation at high temperature is the predominant… More

For significant advancements to occur in the implementation of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in aeroengine airfoil applications, silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic matrix that forms corrosion resistant scale is needed for the combustion environment. Particularly troublesome is the accelerated surface… More

This Phase II effort will demonstrate a standard method of measuring the high-temperature, inter-laminar tensile (HT-ILT) strength of ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs). Jet engines with higher turbine gas temperatures for higher specific thrust and efficiencies require the use of SiC/SiC CMCs with… More

Improved cladding materials are needed for better structural stability in the corrosive high-pressure, hot-water environment of light water reactors, not only to extend fuel rod lifetime and increase fuel utilization (i.e., burn-up), but also to stave off run- away, active oxidation and melting of… More