SBIR Phase I: Niobium Silicide Intermetallics Castings for the Next Generation of Very High Temperature Applications

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）一期项目将测试一种新型生产技术的可行性，该技术用于生产价格合理的一类高级难熔金属金属间复合材料的近净形状部件。铌（Nb）基金属间化合物将允许在许多非常高温的应用中革命性地提高操作温度。第一阶段将采用一种创新的活性金属熔模铸造方法，为制造复杂形状创造一种具有成本效益和强大的工艺。第二阶段将探索生产实际组件的策略。预期的商业应用是在非常高的温度下，比如现在由单晶镍基高温合金制成的涡轮翼型。未来飞机系统的燃油效率和推重比有望达到前所未有的水平。

0128423ChenThis Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test the feasibility of a new production technology for affordable near-net shape components of a class of advanced refractory metal intermetallic composites. Niobium (Nb)-based intermetallics will permit a revolutionary increase in operating temperatures for many very high temperature applications. Phase I will employ an innovative reactive metal investment casting method to create a cost-effective and robust process for manufacturing complex shapes. Phase II would explore strategies for producing actual components.Anticipated commercial applications are those at very high temperatures, such as turbine airfoils now made of single crystal nickel-based superalloys. Unprecedented levels of fuel efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratio are expected for future aircraft systems.