Metal Matrix Composite Enchanced Aluminum Structures

The main focus of this Phase II Extended (Phase II-E) proposal is to evaluate the performance benefits of selective reinforcement in novel subsonic aircraft fuselage structure. This Phase II-E proposal directly supports the goal of NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology Project (AATT) to combine single-piece integrally stiffened cylinders (ISCs) with additive manufacturing technology to increase the fabrication rate of single-aisle commercial aircraft. These novel fuselage structures have stiffeners and skin in one piece rather than being riveted together which presents new demands for fatigue resistance and damage tolerance. An area of application to be explored in this Phase II-E effort is combining innovative reinforcing materials with application processes that facilitate the use of MMCs for selectively reinforcing aluminum structures, thereby creating lightweight metallic structures with superior mechanical properties and increased reliability. Touchstone’s proposed innovation, utilizing a MMC prepreg feedstock for increased structural efficiency that will result in reduced mass, fits well within the needs identified in the subtopic. Additionally, the successful completion of this work will not only drive the structural improvements needed for future commercial aviation and space exploration, it will also expedite the implementation of this enabling technology into other aerospace, military, and commercial applications.

The proposed effort has broad applications across many NASA missions. Stiffened structures exist in launch vehicles and in advanced aircraft. Aircraft concepts that include lightweight, integrally stiffened cylinder fuselage designs will increase production rates and will be affordable to build and operate. These concepts can be made more damage tolerant and durable by incorporating MMC prepreg, giving our nation the ability to continue to compete in the international single-aisle aircraft market.

Aircraft such as the F-35, CH53-K, V-22, ground combat vehicles, aluminum ship designs; commercial aircraft by adding MMC SR concepts; automotive market such as aluminum and magnesium castings, flywheels for hybrid vehicles, liners for lightweight composite tanks on alternative fuel vehicles, other types of storage tanks; sporting goods such as golf club shafts, tennis rackets, and bicycle frames.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.