Airframe Materials for High Speed Tactical Missiles

Composite Matrix Corporation proposes the development of a revolutionary new class of metal matrix composites (MMC) based on corrosion-resistant copper alloys and continuous fiber reinforcement producible at low cost using methods based on traditionalinvestment casting. The continuous-fiber structural preforms can be produced economically by a rapid laminating process. The calculated density, based on the rule of mixtures, is determined to be 4.22 gm/cc (0.15lb/in3). Unidirectional tensile strengthand modulus are estimated to be 3,309 MPa (448 ksi) and 221 GPa (32 msi), respectively. Both strength and stiffness will not degrade significantly at the required 649¿C (1200¿F), with the potential to maintain these properties to upwards of 927¿C (1700¿F)depending on the selected matrix alloy. The proposed effort will measure tensile strength and modulus of as-cast specimens at ambient and elevated temperatures. High cycle (tension-tension) fatigue testing will be performed at ambient conditions. Theultra-low density, relative to other high-temperature materials, makes this material exceptionally attractive to the high-reliability weapons, spacecraft, and aircraft markets, while the economics of the constituent materials and low-cost productionmethods will enable penetration into price-sensitive consumer markets such as hand-held power tools and high-end sporting goods. Low-cost lightweight metal matrix composites represent a new class of materials applicable to both commercial/consumer anddefense products for mass-critical applications. Defense applications include spacecraft, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, and next-generation weapon systems, munitions, missiles, land and amphibious vehicles. Examples of consumer applications arehand-held power tools, automotive suspension components and sporting goods. Industrial/commercial applications may range from passenger and freight aircraft structural components and advanced propulsion systems, to high-speed rotating equipment used inprinting and paper processing.