Method of and apparatus for fabricating filament reinforced metal matrix structures

Abstract

Lightweight filament reinforced composite metal matrix structures is provided. The preferred process for producing tubing comprises wrapping alternate layers of metal and filament material to be molded around a mandrel. The mandrel is removed and in its place a test tube-shaped hollow glass cylinder is inserted. The wrapped cylinder is next placed in a cylindrical shaped mold and the entire assembly placed in an oven which is capable of heating the unit to the liquidus temperature of the metal matrix. The glass, which is of a type which softens at about the melting point of the matrix material, is pressurized to a medium high pressure. Under the influence of this pressure, the glass expands, forcing the composite metal matrix against the interior surface of the mold. The consolidated tubing is then cooled to a completely solidified state and removed from the mold.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.