Aztex has developed an open cell periodic metal truss structure, Metal Truss X-Cor, as a multi-functional alternative to metallic honeycomb and stochastic cellular metal structures currently under consideration for the Marine Expeditionary Family of Fighting Vehicles (MEFFV). This all-metal structure can offer to maximize the efficiency of a metal truss design by employing defect free, wrought metal wires or tubing into a straight pin truss array. This array of pins can be bonded to metal facesheets using a Transient Liquid Phase process (TLP). The key to this approach is to provide an open cell multi-functional structure with excellent corrosion resistance, damage tolerance, structural stiffness, and weight savings in excess of 75%. In this program, Aztex and Princeton University propose to adapt an existing Aztex core technology, X-Cor?, used for polymer composite structures in military aircraft. The structural performance of X-Cor? material is comparable to aluminum honeycomb with the added benefit of corrosion resistance and damage tolerance. By adapting this baseline technology to all-metal structures, it will be possible to extend proven aerospace technology to the harsh environment of expeditionary vehicles using inexpensive materials and processes.
Benefits: Currently available metal core structures include honeycomb, metal foams, periodic metal structures from textiles and formed perforated metals. Honeycomb is the most common and inexpensive material but lacks damage tolerance and corrosion resistance. Metal foams are becoming more available in aluminum but potential weight reduction has not yet been realized. The periodic metal structures offer significant performance benefits and weight reduction when compared to metal foams due to the optimized design of the truss network. Aztex Metal Truss X-Cor technology provides a means to achieve an metal truss structure with existing technology which can expedite the development and reduce overall cost of the product. Metal Truss X-Cor? technology is applicable not only to MEFFV structures but also to ship board components such as doors, hatches, and elevators.
Keywords: X-Cor(tm), Multi-Functional Structure , Expeditionary Vehicles, Periodic Truss Core
