Aluminum/Silicon Carbide Matrix Material for Targeting System; Final rept

摘要

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control (LMMFC) of Orlando, FL, is currently in the process of producing components using Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) materials. This material is most desirable in high performance applications due to their improved material properties over monolithic metals. The most common MMC is cast aluminum reinforced with various amounts of silicon carbide. LMMFC is currently machining very high precision components for targeting systems from cast aluminum/silicon carbide (AISiC) matrix material (with a very high SiC content) and are experiencing difficulty achieving the accuracy they require due to excessive tool wear and failure, from the properties of this material. LMMFC demands are increasing for the manufacture of targeting systems from AISiC matrix material. Therefore, LMMFC called upon the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) to research and provide a more efficient solution to produce these components to specifications required by LMAC.