Ultra Sharp Fiber Architectures for Ceramic Composites Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-119 Topic Title: Ultra Sharp Fiber Architectures for Ceramic Composites Proposal No.: N142-119-0475 Firm: Materials & Electrochemical Research (MER) Corp. 7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85756 Contact: James Withers Phone: (520) 574-1980 Web Site: www.mercorp.com Abstract: Hypersonic vehicles are strategic weapon systems in the Navy arena. Hypersonic vehicles require erosion-free sharp leading edges with a 0.04 inch radius which must exhibit 30 minute operation at 4500�F (2482�C). It has not been demonstrated to 3D weave fibers into a sharp leading edge architecture of 0.04 inch radius, nor prevent erosion of a leading edge at hypersonic flight conditions for 30 minutes at 4500�F (2482�C). In a partnership with TEAM, Inc., a textile engineering and manufacturing organization who has a weaving approach that can achieve the 0.04 inch radius with graphite fibers which MER will apply a refractory metal carbide eutectic as a matrix and coating on the surface which has demonstrated oxidation and erosion resistance at 2600�C (4712�F). Net shape 3D woven sub-element leading edge sections with a 0.04 inch radius will be produced with the ceramic matrix and coating that has demonstrated 30 minute operation at 4500�F (2482�C) in previously produced test specimens. Samples and a sub-element will be delivered to the Navy that will transition into the Option and Phase II to produce larger wing shapes. Benefits: Applications for a 3D woven sharp radius architecture with a ceramic matrix and coating that prevents erosion and oxidation for 30 minutes at 4000�F (2482�C) are all future military hypersonics, civilian rocket and related aeroengine, high speed jet engines, vehicles that access space, and all high temperature composites in aerospace and commercial. Return