Unitized Composite Airframe Structures with Three Dimensional (3-D) Preforms for Elevated Temperature Applications

Three-dimensional textile preforms have shown tremendous advantages in the integration of load-bearing composite structures to traditional laminated composites and fastened structures due to improved delamination and damage tolerances. Hindrances occur when the composites are subjected to elevated temperature gradients in the field of their application. This SBIR program is set to develop a methodology to incorporate two or more co-curable polyimide and ceramic matrices into a three-dimensional textile preform to protect against varied thermal gradients typically found in high-performance applications. The technique will utilize simple resin film infusion methods with varied processing conditions to optimize the resin infusion depth based on the properties required. BENEFIT: Co-cured composite stiffeners eliminate the need for expensive and heavy mechanically fastened stiffeners. The development of a co-curable, complex composite fabrication methodology incorporating two or more high temperature resins will greatly impact the high-performance composite market. The process could be utilized for a wide variety of applications, primarily fighter and supersonic long range missile skins, requiring high-temperature gradient sustainability.