Ultra-Low Expansion Metal Matrix Composites.
Abstract
The satisfactory performance of mirror substrates of High Energy Large Optics (HALO) and High Energy Laser Optics (HELO) requires that the distortion of these substrates (due to temperature variations) be less than 0.1 um per meter (ideally zero thermal expansion) in the temperature range 150-300L. In addition they should have high thermal conductivity, high microyield strength and low density. Moreover, they should be extremely resistant to outgasing. A thermoelastic analysis has been carried out to compute the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Exact equations for stresses, strains and CTE have been derived for a two phase composite. The results indicate that the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite is a sensitive function of the CTE's of the constituent phases and insensitive to the elastic moduli of Poisson's ratios. It is shown that to produce ultra low to zero CTE materials two phases, one with low positive CTE and the other with large negative CTE, are required. Further, the amount of the matrix and dispersed phases should be controlled to within a few percent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA188000
Entities
People
- Joseph Boustani
- Nam P. Suh
- Nannaji Saka
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology