Continuously formed metal matrix composite shapes
AssigneeTouchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd.
InventorsBrian L. Gordon, Gregg W. Wolfe
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Abstract
Metal matrix composites having open or closed channels extending longitudinal through the length of the composite as well as methods and apparatus for forming the same are described. The shaped metal matrix composites are made of continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composite materials. They have an integrally formed, non-cast, metal matrix composite body portion where the walls have a substantially uniform distribution of continuous fibers in a matrix metal throughout the volume of the walls and have at least one channel extending through the body of the shaped metal matrix composite.
Claims9
A method for forming a shaped metal matrix composite, comprising the steps of:
- infiltrating a fiber bundle with a metal by passing the fiber bundle through a metal bath to create a softened metal infiltrated fiber bundle;
- pulling a softened metal infiltrated fiber bundle through a shaping die, wherein said shaping die is at least partially submerged in said metal bath;
- and
- shaping said softened metal infiltrated fiber bundle to form a shaped metal matrix composite, wherein said shaped metal matrix composite defines a channel extending therethrough.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.