The Boeing Company

Gerard D Pelletier

Michael P Moriarty

Adon Delgado, Jr

Alan V Von Arx

Nathan J Hoffman

Sherwin Yang

Kathleen M Sevener

Jeffrey B Stout

Methods are disclosed herein to fabricate high-strength ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structures by combining, in one example, pre-impregnated (prepreg) material with a pre-ceramic polymer. The prepreg is processed to a first density, and the densification is completed with repeated polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) cycles of the pre-ceramic polymer to fabricate a CMC structure. Advantageously, the present invention allows for fabrication of ceramic matrix composites more efficiently and to a larger scale than previously available.

Method for manufacturing ceramic matrix composite structures

Methods and apparatus are provided for a shield to protect a surface from the impact of hyper-velocity projectiles. The apparatus comprises a foam material that is configured to cover the surface to be protected and is attached directly to that surface. A coating material is typically disposed on the outer surface of the foam material and may penetrate the foam material to a predetermined depth. The foam material and the coating material are selected to form a composite having predetermined values of sonic velocity, toughness, and thermal conductivity. The composite of foam material and coating material can be significantly lighter in weight than a metal shield having equivalent protective characteristics.

Lightweight protector against micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) impact using foam substances

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Simi Valley, CA, United States of America

Gerard D Pelletier