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Adaptive Reconfigurable Control Based on a Reduced Order System Identification for Flutter and Aeroservoelastic Instability Suppression
Phone: (480) 945-9988
Not Available Axial and divert motors and nozzles require complex shapes which are light weight, strong and shock resistant at high temperatures. Carbon-carbon (C-C) is an ideal material for this application and can be formed into net shape components at low cost. Heretofore, C-C has been limited in its use at 3000-4000F by the lack of an adequate coating. Castle Technology is developing the CAFRIB system in which metal is electrochemically infiltrated into matrix-free surface layers of C-C to form a surface metal matrix composite. This unique coating can withstand the large stresses which develop during firing due to the thermal expansion mismatch between C-C and the protective metal coating. Rhenium (Re) parts have been identified as suitable for propulsion systems. However, they have high launch weights and are very expensive to fabricate. Re-CAFRIB combines the best properties of C-C and Re at low cost. During Phase I, we will investigate the feasibility of electrochemically infiltrating Re into complex C-C shapes to produce uniformly coated Re-CAFRIB. Simulated valves, balls and diverts will be prepared from C-C. Electrochemical cell modelling software will be used to establish electrode and cell parameters for uniform deposition. Coating uniformity, determined by SEM, will be used to refine experimental parameters.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *