Adaptive Reconfigurable Control Based on a Reduced Order System Identification for Flutter and Aeroservoelastic Instability Suppression

Not Available Axial and divert motors and nozzles require complex shapes which are light weight, strong and shock resistant at high temperatures. Carbon-carbon (C-C) is an ideal material for this application and can be formed into net shape components at low cost. Heretofore, C-C has been limited in its use at 3000-4000F by the lack of an adequate coating. Castle Technology is developing the CAFRIB system in which metal is electrochemically infiltrated into matrix-free surface layers of C-C to form a surface metal matrix composite. This unique coating can withstand the large stresses which develop during firing due to the thermal expansion mismatch between C-C and the protective metal coating. Rhenium (Re) parts have been identified as suitable for propulsion systems. However, they have high launch weights and are very expensive to fabricate. Re-CAFRIB combines the best properties of C-C and Re at low cost. During Phase I, we will investigate the feasibility of electrochemically infiltrating Re into complex C-C shapes to produce uniformly coated Re-CAFRIB. Simulated valves, balls and diverts will be prepared from C-C. Electrochemical cell modelling software will be used to establish electrode and cell parameters for uniform deposition. Coating uniformity, determined by SEM, will be used to refine experimental parameters.