Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Robert G Micich

Michael G Kornely, Jr

Douglas S Holmes

Robert A Haslett

John M Miller

Willy A Wolter

A cloth employing graphite fibers may be subjected to different composite material formation processes so that three separate sections of heat capability may result across continuous fibers. Thus, one section may have optimum cold temperature strength while a removed section may have optimum high-temperature strength, with a transition section interceding. The existence of continuous fibers across these sections obviates the necessity for a mechanical joint thereby maximizing the reliability and performance characteristics of a resulting composite structure.

Bi-composite joint using continuous fiber

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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Bethpage, NY, United States of America

Robert G Micich