This article presents an overview of current research and material requirements for MMC (metal-matrix composite) technologies being developed for LRE (liquid rocket engines). Development in LRE technology for U.S Air Force are being tracked and planned through the integrated high payoff rocket propulsion technologies program. The function and the power cycles of the LRE are described. Current efforts and research requirements for three types of MMC systems are discussed: aluminium, copper- and nickel-matrix material systems. Potential uses for aluminium MMCs fall into three general categories: stiffness-driven components (flanges, thrust chamber jackets, support structures), warm-temperature applications (turbine rotating components, housings in expander cycle engines, warm propellant ducting and backup structures running up to 260 deg C) and cryogenic applications (cryogenic pump components). The applications for copper MMCs are more limited, they are used for propellant-management devices (oxygen compatibility) and thrust-chamber liners (high thermal conductivity). The primary driver for nickel-based MMCs in LREs is the full-flow cycle engine.
Metal-matrix composites for liquid rocket engines
Metallmatrix-Verbundwerkstoffe für Flüssigkeitsraketen-Triebwerke
JOM - The Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society ; 53 , 4 ; 18-21
2001
4 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 7 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
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