SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
REFRACTORY MATERIALS BRAZING FOR REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Technical Abstract:
Materials Resources in co-operation with Rocketdyne will demonstrate joining of refractory
and ceramic matrix composite (C/C and C/SiC) materials to metals for development of
propulsion systems for reusable launch vehicles. Brazing of dissimilar materials result in
high thermal stresses due to CTE mismatches between metals and composite materials and
create a weak brazed joint. MRI proposes a novel technique, i.e., WideGap brazing to
join metals to refractory composites. Our innovation uses a braze material consisting of a
filler braze metal and an additive material with melting temperature higher than braze
temperature. Proper selection of the braze filler and the additive materials will tailor the
CTE gradient and thickness of the braze, and result in formation of stable joints with
minimum thermal stresses.
Using this innovative brazing technique, we will develop C/C and C/SiC to metal joints for
high temperature propulsion system applications in reusable launch vehicles. The Phase I
program will focus on development of good brazed joint. The joints will be characterized
for strength, thermal cycling and thermal conductivity. Rocketdyne will support MRI in
this program with guidance on joint design and testing and assist in commercialization of
the technology.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The commercial applications for WideGap brazing are in areas of joining dissimilar
materials for electronics packaging, thermal management, propulsion systems in launch
vehicles, actively cooled structures and heat exchangers. In addition commercial
application also exist in bio-medical x-ray tubes (over $800 million/per year), fabrication
and repair of tubes for chemical and power industry (over $ 1.5 billion per year). Other
major applications include braze healing of turbine blades for jet engines and dissimilar
materials joining of turbine components.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Materials Resources Inc.
1162 Horseshoe Drive
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996