12
Joining
of Advanced SiCf/SiCm Composites for Fusion Energy
Applications--FM
Technologies, Inc., 10529-B Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA
22032-2236; 703-425-5111
Dr.
Ralph W. Bruce, Principal Investigator, rbruce@fm-technologies.com
Dr.
Frederick M. Mako, Business Official, fmako@erols.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-01ER83189
Amount:
$100,000
The
next phase of the fusion energy program will require a ‘first wall’ made of
a neutron transparent material that has the strength and thermal characteristics
to withstand the vigorous environment generated by the plasma.
The SiCf/SiCm composite would be a candidate
material if the separate portions of the overall structure could be joined to
form the complete design. This
project will develop the technology, methods, and materials to join the SiCf/SiCm
composites, with joint properties comparable to those of the wall material.
New advanced higher temperature SiC fibers will be used to form ceramic
matrix composites via the polymer impregnation and polymerization (PIP) method.
A microwave beam forming system will be constructed, and in-situ
joining will be performed on model structures.
In Phase I, sections of SiC woven fabric will be made using a PIP process
to form coupons for joining. Using
microwave hybrid heating and a proprietary joining material, larger coupons will
be formed for test. Thermal and mechanical tests will be performed to ensure heat
transfer and strength requirements will be met. Preliminary designs for a microwave beam heating system, to
be fabricated and used in Phase II, will be completed
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The technology should decrease the costs of fabricating SiCf/SiCm composites for many applications. In particular, the next generation fusion reactor should benefit significantly from a technology that can be used to fabricate and repair at the site. Additionally, this technology should have application in making other Sic based components for the hot zones of gas turbines, the leading edges of wings and nose structures of advanced aircraft and missiles, high temperature heat exchangers, and radiant burner tubes.