Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Michael G Kornely, Jr

Robert G Micich

Douglas S Holmes

John M Miller

A process for increasing the corrosion resistance of honeycomb core panel construction by using an ion beam enhanced deposition. In one aspect of the invention, molybdenum ions are embedded a predetermined depth into the front and back surfaces of a honeycomb-shaped core. The ions interact with the core metal to form an aluminum-molybdenum alloy which is impervious to corrosion. A thin film coating of metal simultaneously is produced on the surface of the metal-ion embedded core metal. The process also may be used to embed ions into the outer skin layers to achieve enhanced corrosion resistance.

Corrosion prevention of honeycomb core panel construction using ion beam

A method for improving the corrosion and wear resistance properties of aluminum honeycomb core panel construction is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a surface of an aluminum honeycomb metal specimen is melted using a pulsed ion beam and then left to cool by thermal diffusion. A layer of metallic glass demonstrating enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance properties formed integrally with the specimen surface results. In a second embodiment, the surface of the aluminum honeycomb metal specimen is coated with a thin film of metal material. Ions in the pulsed beam drive the atoms in the metal film into the near-surface region of the aluminum honeycomb metal specimen to create an alloy which also has enhanced corrosion and wear properties.

Pulsed ion beam surface treatment process for aluminum honeycomb panels

A method for increasing the corrosion resistance of honeycomb core panel construction by using an ion implantation process. In one aspect of the invention, molybdenum ions are implanted to a predetermined depth into the front and back surfaces of a honeycomb-shaped core. The ions interact with the metal in the core wall to form an aluminum-molybdenum alloy which is impervious to corrosion. In another aspect of the invention, both front and back surfaces of the honeycomb-shaped core are bombarded with ions so that the ions are implanted throughout the entire core wall. The method may also be extended to include implanting ions into the outer skin layers to achieve enhanced corrosion resistance.

Corrosion prevention of honeycomb core panel construction using ion

A linear accelerator drift tube is formed by a casting technique. Coolant circualting grooves are integrally formed in the central body of the drift tube as well as face plates. This minimizes the temperature of the drift tube in an operating environment thereby maximizing the R.F. efficiency of the unit. The face plates are attached to the central body of the drift tube by means of a solder/electroform joining. The stem of the drift tube includes concentric passages integrally formed in the cast central body which enables efficient circulation of coolant through the drift tube.

Cast charged particle drift tube

A number of rare earth-cobalt permanent magnet segments are temporarily secured together by means of a tool. Before securement the segment surfaces at each interface are pre-tinned. A solder pre-form in the shape of a 'wagon wheel' rests on one transverse end of the magnet so that the spokes of the pre-form overlie the interface joints. The magnet is then lowered into a gradually heated glycerine bath until the solder melts and directly flows over each interface. Upon slow cooling of the cylinder, metallurgical bonding is effected between the various segments of the magnet.

Bonded segmented cylindrical magnet assembly

The face plates of a drift tube have their joints with a central cylindrical body sealed by utilizating two metallurgical techniques. The first technique involves the soldering of interface surfaces at the joints between the face plates and the body. The soldered joint prevents the entry of electroplating solution into the interior of the drift tube during a second metallurgical procedure involving the electroformation of a copper strap around the joint which provides a permanent seal against leakage of coolant from the drift tube while offering excellent electrical and thermal conductivity across the surface of the drift tube.

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Centerport, NY, United States of America

Michael G Kornely, Jr