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Picosecond Laser Drilling of Ceramic Matrix Composites

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N00014-06-M-0296
Agency Tracking Number: N064-012-0108
Amount: $69,861.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N06-T012
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-08-21
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-06-21
Small Business Information
6201 East Oltorf St. Suite 400
Austin, TX 78741
United States
DUNS: 100651798
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mike Durrett
 Principal Scientist
 (512) 389-9990
 mdurrett@nanohmics.com
Business Contact
 Keith Jamison
Title: President
Phone: (512) 389-9990
Email: kjamison@nanohmics.com
Research Institution
 PURDUE UNIV.
 Ken Suter
 
302 Wood St Young-Rm723
West Lafayette, IN 47907
United States

 (765) 494-4728
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

In collaboration with Dr. Y. Shin of Purdue University Nanohmics Inc. proposes to develop picosecond laser drilling technology for SiC continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites (CMC). The application of this new technology will significantly reduce the cost of machining CMC components for new applications in advanced engines such as the F135, an engine under development by Pratt & Whitney. The very recent advent of rugged and cost effective lasers operating in the picosecond regime supplies a means to drill holes and slots that are essentially free of burrs and with a very minimal amount of substrate damage. In this effort, achievable aspect ratio's will be increased, optimal machining parameters will be developed and a plan to integrate the technology into Pratt & Whitney operations will be devised. BENEFITS: The utility of a methodology to rapidly micro-drill a range of materials with the absence of substrate damage or recast/melt splash is large. A range of CMC applications as well as other material including turbine blades with micro-drilled cooling holes, ink jet cartridge nozzles, fuel injector nozzles and the ability to microstructure metal surfaces – such as the honed cylinder walls of engines to create lubricant retaining surfaces – are all examples. The extremely high pulse repetition frequency of these tools make them viable alternatives to nanosecond lasers.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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