Low-Cost Carbon/Carbon Structures for Advanced Hot Section Components, Phase II

The well-established high temperature strength, low density, and mechanical and thermal shock-resistance of carbon/carbon composites represent perhaps the most appealing combination of properties exhibited by any ceramic or metallic material currentlyunder consideration for advanced aircraft engine and airframe structures. The shortcomings of c/c are aslo will known, namely the inabiliity of current coatings to provide effective oxidation protection for c/c over a broad operational range, and highfabrication cost. in Phase I, Ultramet demonstrated the feasibility of a performance - and cost-effective c/c composite by combining an innovative and highly refractory dual - layer coating system with a rapidly densified c/c composite developed by the AirForce Research Laboratory(AFRL), Propulsion Directorate. In phase II, Ultramet proposes the rapid optimization of this technology for direct integration into aerospace structures currently under development. This goal will be accomplished by teaming with three leading aerospacecompanies, all potential Phase III (commercialization) partners with specific, identified components that will greatly benefit from the proposed technology. The companies, and their components of interest, are the Chemical Systems Division (CSD) of Pratt &Whitney for solid rocket motor (SRM) throats, the Rocketdyne Division of Boeing North American for lightweight upper-stage nozzles, and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) for scramjet components under development in the Air Force HypersonicTechnology (HyTech) program. All three companies will provide component testing at no cost.