An Optimized Semi-Flush Flasher

Not Available Lightweight structures are demanding for high inach vehicles and engine exhaust impinged structures subjected to high temperatures. Currently used polyimide composites have limited service temperatures whereas titanium alloys have much higher densities than those of advanced composites. This Phase I research proposes the processing of high temperature sandwich structures using microcellular graphitic foam as the core material. The core will be processed from a carbon fiber precursor material like mesophase pitch. After heat treatments, the foam will be a lightweight (solid graphite is 3.5 times lighter than titanium), high strength high stiffness material. It will have superior mechanical properties, and thermal stability up to 1000 F without oxidation protection coatings. Sandwich specimens will be fabricated to demonstrate the use of this foam as sandwich core. They can be tailored to possess very low thermal @ conductivity that is ideal for tank applications. A series of mechanical testing, thermal and morphological analyses will be performed to evaluate the construction and integrity of the proposed high temperature sandwich material and structures. Since we have successfully process microcellular carbon foams with, excellent mechanical properties we will focus on sandwich construction and. evaluation in this proposed research.