Affordable Materials and Coatings for Pressure Gain Combustion

MATECH proposes to evaluate several carbon fiber (Cf) reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) specifically engineered for use in flight weight rotating detonation engines (RDEs). Rotating detonation engine technology stands to vastly improve engine performance over conventional deflagration combustion engines in both rocket (single-use) and aircraft (multi-use) propulsion systems. Significant RDE technological advances over the past decade require robust tooling and complex cooling schemes to circumvent localized heat fluxes, high flame temperatures (at or above 1450°C) and high-frequency shock loading experienced in pressure gain combustion (PGC) environments. Recent testing at the Detonation Engine Research Facility at Air Force Research Laboratory - Wright Patterson Air Force Base (AFRL-WPAFB) has successfully demonstrated C/SiC CMC’s potential as a flight-weight, high temperature material for RDE combustors. Therefore, MATECH will vet multiple variants of the C/SiC CMC system as well as several enhanced Cf-reinforced CMCs for performance and survivability gains in an RDE environment. This Phase I benefits from the support of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and Aerojet Rocketdyne (AR), both of which have active RDE programs. Phase I coupon screening will be conducted at the Detonation Engine Research Facility at AFRL-WPAFB managed by Innovative Scientific Solutions, Inc. (ISSI).