There exists a need for integrally woven composite joint structures in the aerospace community. Joining technology has not kept pace with the improvements made to current and projected spacecraft accommodating the increasingly harsh environments that spacecraft are subjected to during flight. This effort will focus on the development of the technology necessary to integrally weave complex multi-inlet joint structures. Graphite fiber tows will be used to fabricate the woven fiber preform, and the resulting composite system will be infiltrated with molten metal to form a metal matrix composite. Development of this type of joint will offer the improved mechanical properties of the integrally woven preform and the enhanced environmental stability of the metal matrix. The resulting joint technology will allow spacecraft manufacturers to utilize a whole new family of composite joint systems.New composite joint technology will play a key role in space structure assembly (both ground-based and in space) and in next generation supersonic aircraft as well. These joints may be applicable to many high temperature applications including future hypersonic transports such as NASP and HSCT.Integrally woven, multi-inlet joint, preform, space structures, compositesSTATUS: Phase I Only
