High Specific Strength Isotropic MMCs for Turbomachinery Applications

Foster-Miller will demonstrate high strength isotropic aluminum and copper alloy matrix composite materials to produce lightweight rocket engine oxygen and hydrogen turbopump housings. These materials have the potential to provide the key rocket engines materials requirements: high specific strength over the relevant service temperature range, excellent environmental resistance, and low-cost, net-shape fabrication. Foster-Miller proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of producing high strength alumina reinforced composites with Al and Cu matrices using a Foster-Miller proprietary process. During Phase I, Al and Cu-matrix composite materials will be produced and tested, and compared with currently used and potential (experimental) turbopump housing materials.Our team includes a component producer partner and a rocket engine integrator. These partners will be involved in steering the program so as to develop an innovative technology that is well suited for scale-up and industrial implementation. The follow-on Phase II program will initially prove repeatability in materials properties, and then build and validate MMC turbopump housing demonstration articles with a support from team members. (P-00815)