A review of refractory metal alloys and mechanically alloyed-oxide dispersion strengthened steels for space nuclear power systems

Metal matrix composites consist of a metal or an alloy as the continuous matrix and a reinforcement that can be particle, short fiber or whisker, or continuous fiber. In this chapter, we first describe important techniques to process metal matrix composites, then we describe the interface region and its characteristics, properties of different metal matrix composites, and finally, we summarize different applications of metal matrix composites.

Metal Matrix Composites

Plasma-facing materials and components in a fusion reactor are the interface between the 
plasma and the material part. The operational conditions in this environment are probably 
the most challenging parameters for any material: high power loads and large particle and 
neutron fluxes are simultaneously impinging at their surfaces. To realize fusion in a tokamak 
or stellarator reactor, given the proven geometries and technological solutions, requires an 
improvement of the thermo-mechanical capabilities of currently available materials. In its 
first part this article describes the requirements and needs for new, advanced materials for the 
plasma-facing components. Starting points are capabilities and limitations of tungsten-based 
alloys and structurally stabilized materials. Furthermore, material requirements from the 
fusion-specific loading scenarios of a divertor in a water-cooled configuration are described, 
defining directions for the material development. Finally, safety requirements for a fusion 
reactor with its specific accident scenarios and their potential environmental impact lead to 
the definition of inherently passive materials, avoiding release of radioactive material through 
intrinsic material properties. The second part of this article demonstrates current material 
development lines answering the fusion-specific requirements for high heat flux materials. 
New composite materials, in particular fiber-reinforced and laminated structures, as well 
as mechanically alloyed tungsten materials, allow the extension of the thermo-mechanical 
operation space towards regions of extreme steady-state and transient loads. Self-passivating

/pdf/development-of-advanced-high-heat-flux-and-plasma-facing-4cdcf31umx.pdf

Development of advanced high heat flux and plasma-facing materials

Processing of Discontinuously-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites by Rapid Solidification

This bibliography is comprised of approximately 1,600 reference citations related to four problem areas in the mechanics of failure in aerospace structures. The bibliography represents a search of the literature published in the period 1962-1976, the effort being largely limited to documents published in the United States. Listings are subdivided into the four problem areas: Hydrogen Embrittlement; Protective Coatings; Composite Materials; and Nondestructive Evaluation. An author index is included.

/pdf/bibliography-of-information-on-mechanics-of-structural-29vpdqazz2.pdf

Bibliography of information on mechanics of structural failure (hydrogen embrittlement, protective coatings, composite materials, NDE)

Reinforced metallic composites

High temperature research on creep rupture strength of refractory metal fiber and nickel alloy composites

/pdf/refractory-metal-fiber-nickel-base-alloy-composites-for-use-2og13rfrvg.pdf

Refractory metal fiber nickel base alloy composites for use at high temperatures

Improved performance of heat engines is largely dependent upon maximum cycle temperatures. Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys (TFRS) are the first of a family of high temperature composites that offer the potential for significantly raising hot component operating temperatures and thus leading to improved heat engine performance. This status review of TFRS research emphasizes the promising property data developed to date, the status of TFRS composite airfoil fabrication technology, and the areas requiring more attention to assure their applicability to hot section components of aircraft gas turbine engines.

Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys: a status review

Method of making fiber reinforced metallic composites

A method of making a fiber composite having high strength at 2000 DEG to 2200 DEG F. by slip casting a nickel alloy matrix slurry into an array of tungsten fibers. The slip is dried and sintered in dry hydrogen at 1500 DEG F. for one hour. The resulting body is isostatically hot pressed at 20,000 p.s.i. and 1500 DEG F. for one hour, followed by a second isostalic hot pressing at 2000 DEG F. for 1 hour.

Donald W. Petrasek

Papers

Reinforced metallic composites

Refractory metal fiber nickel base alloy composites for use at high temperatures

Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys: a status review

Method of making fiber reinforced metallic composites

Method of making fiber composites