Advances in Powder Metallurgy Rhenium
Abstract
Several recent developments in powder metallurgy (PM) rhenium have significantly enhanced the uses and usability of rhenium and rhenium alloys. One of the developments was cold isostatic pressing (CIP) to a complex shape with traditional rhenium powder. CIPing to a complex shape with a one or two-part mandrel reduces the quantity of rhenium required to produce the component and significantly reduces the secondary machining. The CIP-to-complex shape method was developed for rhenium liquid-fueled apogee engine combustion chambers. The other major development was high-density spherical rhenium powder (SReP), which has excellent flow for use in traditional and advanced processes for PM rhenium. Several advanced consolidation techniques were investigated; vacuum plasma spraying (VPS); direct hot isostatic (D-HIP); and laser additive manufacturing (LAM) to produce near net shape components. All of the recent developments will lower the cost, reduce the processing time, and improve the yields when making powder metallurgy rhenium and rhenium alloy components.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP011182
Entities
People
- J. Downs
- M. Hamister
- N. Moore
- T. Leonhardt