SBIR-STTR Award

The aeronautical and space industries need new technologies in the design and fabrication of 3-Dimensional Ceramic Matrix Composite fasteners for mechanically attaching composite propulsion and structural components to metals both on, and within, the aerostructure body. Novel fasteners must be able to withstand environmental challenges including extreme temperatures, corrosion (such as the affects from exposure to water, salt and engine-related chemicals), erosion, abrasion and the cyclic effects from mechanical vibration and thermal sources. In support of this objective, the Offeror proposes an innovative solution focused on 3D-braided ceramic matrix composite fasteners which will exhibit increased mechanical strength properties, resistance to crack-propagation, engineered thermal conductivity and a potential for long-service duty performance at ultra-high temperatures.

Benefit:
Offeror will produce a novel ceramic matrix composite fastener which will successfully attach composite and metal aerostructure components. These fasteners will exhibit increased mechanical strength properties, resistance to crack-propagation, engineered thermal conductivity, and a potential for long service-duty performance at ultra-high temperatures.This fastener is lightweight and capable of medium-scale fabrication at reasonable cost. Primary applications are for turbine engines and hot section components as well as missile, hypersonic and space engines and structures.

Keywords:
ceramic matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, Fasteners Turbine Engines, Ultra-High Temperature, CMC

The aeronautical and space industries need new technologies in the design and fabrication of 3-Dimensional Ceramic Matrix Composite fasteners for mechanically attaching composite propulsion and structural components to metals, both on, and within, the aerostructure body. Novel fasteners must be able to withstand environmental challenges including extreme temperatures, corrosion (such as the affects from exposure to water, salt and engine-related chemicals), erosion, abrasion and the cyclic effects from mechanical vibration and thermal sources. In support of this objective, the Offeror proposes an innovative solution focused on 3D-braided ceramic matrix composite fasteners which will exhibit increased mechanical strength properties, resistance to crack-propagation, engineered thermal conductivity and a potential for long-service duty performance at ultra-high temperatures.

Benefit:
Offeror will produce a novel ceramic matrix composite fastener which will successfully attach composite and metal aerostructure components. Metal fasteners in current use suffer from several issues including significant strength losses at high temperature, corrosion, high density, galling and high cost. The proposed fasteners will exhibit increased mechanical strength properties, resistance to crack-propagation, engineered thermal management, corrosion-resistance, lower density, favorable wear patterns, and a potential for long service-duty performance at ultra-high temperatures. The proposed fastener is lightweight and capable of medium-scale fabrication at reasonable cost. Primary applications are for turbine engines and hot section components, flaps and seals, as well as missile, hypersonic and space engines and structures, and high-performance ground vehicles. This technology has important dual-use applications including industrial refractory joining mechanisms, ground-based turbine engines for electrical power generation, armor, space propulsion and aero-vehicle components.

Keywords:
Aero-structure Fabrication, High Temperature Components, ceramic matrix composite (CMC), Fasteners, 3D Manufacturing, Space Propulsion Components