Manufacturing of Metal Matrix Composites for UAM

Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) will develop and demonstrate a novel method for manufacturing unidirectional metal matrix composite tape optimized for ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) of large gun tubes, muzzle brakes, airframes, and other critical applications where lightweight, high-temperature and high-strength materials are required. The resulting UAM feedstock will feature high fiber volume content and matrix rich surfaces to eliminate fiber breakage that has plagued incumbent MMC materials. The effort will initially focus on aluminum/alumina MMCs but the process is intended to be expandable to a wider suite of matrix filler combinations providing additional DoD benefits and commercial/dual-use opportunities Additionally, the scalable manufacturing process will reduce material costs and strengthen and diversify the Army and DoD supply chain for these next-generation materials.