SBIR-STTR Award

Competitive, national security, and efficiency concerns provide an urgent need for ceramic matrix composite research and development, particularly for use in hypersonic and turbine engine applications. Thermal and mechanically-induced stresses in these structures limit speed, strength, and life-expectancy. Composite performance may be greatly enhanced through the use of novel additives, such as fibers, nano-particles, or interphase coatings and may enable a much broader use of composites in the aerospace industry. Offeror proposes a 6-month Base and 6-month Option project for the development of fabrication methods and the application of novel additives to ceramic matrix composite fibers. Fiber fabrication will be followed by testing and modeling for oxidation and creep resistance of the fibers (both with and without additives) for function at temperatures up to 2000C. Project data will be compiled into detailed databases for future use in design and manufacturing of complex ceramic matrix composite components for DOD-related technologies and future commercial applications.

Benefit:
Ceramic Matrix Composites are the gateway to Thermal Management Systems, which have significant value in a wide variety of applications, particularly for vehicles which operate at supersonic or hypersonic speeds or in extreme temperature environments such as turbine engines, or in space. Most engines become more efficient when operated at higher temperatures. Ceramic matrix composites make that possible by maintaining strength at temperature, reducing weight, emissions, and fuel burn, while also extending service life. Ceramic Matrix Composites have the potential for the management of hydrogen or nuclear fuels which could unlock the potential propulsion methods needed for extended space travel. Potentially, any application which requires ultra-high or low temperatures could benefit, including: aircraft and automotive vehicles; avionics for missile range, speed and attitude control; propulsion systems (including nuclear and solar thermal propulsion); turbine engines for aerospace and stationary power generation; batteries and supercapacitor storage systems; heat exchangers; refractory industrial systems; aero and space vehicle structural components; armor; liquified natural gas, hydrogen, or other liquified cryogenic fuels, storage and delivery systems. Improvements in material, design, and manufacturing methods will lower costs and improve the supply of ceramic matrix composites in the near future.

Keywords:
Fiber-reinforced composites, Fiber-reinforced composites, ceramic matrix composites, Creep-Resistant Composites, Hypersonics, Ultra-High Temperature Composites, Air and Space Platforms, Oxidation-Resistant Composites, turbine engines