Novel, Low-Cost Processing Of Functionally Gradient Ceramic-Matrix, Metal-Matrix Composite Materials

"State-of-the-art steel gun tubes and coating liners from gun tubes that inherently have abrupt interfaces limit propellants and projectiles that can be used, and fire rates that can be attained, as well as the life of the gun tube. A novel ceramic matrixcomposite (CMC) functionally graded into a metal matrix composite (MMC) outer shell has the potential to significantly enhance gun tube performance. The Phase I program demonstrated a hybrid composite CMC liner could be functionally graded into a MMC,which exhibited burst strengths satisfactory for gun tube applications. The Phase II program proposes to optimize fiber architecture and layer thicknesses of the CMC and MMC, including scaling-up to twenty-inch long demonstration tubes. Optimizedcomposition and processing will be utilized to produce gun tubes up to one-meter length and live fire test in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle test system. A functionally graded ceramic matrix to metal matrix composite material with improved strength toughness/damage tolerant, wear resistant and lightweight has extensive applications in gun tubes throughout the DOD, bearing races, armor, corrosion/erosionresistant piping, heat exchangers, etc."