METAL-MATRIX AND INTERMETALLIC-MATRIX COMPOSITES FOR AEROSPACE PROPULSION AND POWER-SYSTEMS

Successful development and deployment of metal-matrix composites and intermetallic-matrix composites are critical to reaching the goals of many advanced aerospace propulsion and power development programs. The material requirements are based on the aerospace propulsion and power system requirements, economics, and other factors. Advanced military and civilian aircraft engines will require higher specific strength materials that operate at higher temperatures, and the civilian engines will also require long lifetimes. The specific space propulsion and power applications require high-temperature, high-thermal-conductivity,and high-strength materials. Metal-matrix composites and intermetallic-matrix composites either fulfill or have the potential of fulfilling these requirements.