CMC Material Optimization for Aircraft Brake Application

Carbon-carbon (C-C) composites are the state-of-the-art friction material for aircraft brakes. Generally speaking, C-C brake offers low wear and provides excellent frictional performance at high energy conditions such as rejected take off (RTO). The use of C-C aircraft brakes adds safety, increases payload and reduces life cycle cost of aircraft operation. However, C-C begins to oxidize at 800 F. C-C brake also yields lower frictional coefficient and tends to vary widely under different environment and landing energy conditions. Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) offer an alternative to C-C composites. In specific, C-SiC has been demonstrated as a possible next-generation brake material. Although the brake performance data of C-SiC are very limited and often kept proprietary, there are enough evidences indicating C-SiC brake may ameliorate many deficiencies associated with their C-C counterpart providing reduced wear rate and improved volumetric heat capacity. Under this proposed effort, carefully selected C-SiC candidates will be fabricated using production-ready materials and processes. Experience gained in the past on optimizing C-C brake materials will be leveraged. Candidate materials will be tested on dynamometer under realistic conditions. Performance trends will be established and used for further optimization. Brake configuration will be analyzed and optimized under this proposed effort.