ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF SILICON CARBIDE (SIC) CERAMIC ROCKET NOZZLES
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Authors
Wooten, Kenneth N.
Subjects
additive manufacturing
rocket nozzle
ceramic forming polymers
vibration assisted printing
VAP
composites
silicon carbide
SiC
rocket nozzle
ceramic forming polymers
vibration assisted printing
VAP
composites
silicon carbide
SiC
Advisors
Gunduz, Ibrahim E.
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Rocket motor nozzles are typically made of materials such as graphite and fiber-reinforced phenolics or epoxies with low erosion rates, relatively low manufacturing costs, and/or reduced weight. Additive manufacturing (AM) methods enable unique control of geometry and composition and can improve the weight and thermal performance of rocket nozzles. A newly developed AM process called vibration assisted printing (VAP) can process a unique combination of ceramic-forming polymer binders with a large amount of solid particles at very high solid loadings and viscosities. This research investigated the formulation, pre-processing and post-processing of these materials, determined their final microstructure and phase composition, and compared them to some of the materials utilized in rockets today. Some of the parameters investigated included mixture ratio, curing temperature, and sintering temperature of silicon carbide (SiC)-ceramic forming polymer particles. These mixtures were used for 3D printing of SiC-ceramic matrix/SiC composite parts. The results of the study will help improve the performance of modern-day rockets and other applications within the aerospace industry.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.