Recent Applications Of Metal Matrix Composites In Precision Instruments And Optical Systems

Walter R. Mohn; Daniel Vukobratovich

doi:10.1117/12.7976651

1 February 1988 Recent Applications Of Metal Matrix Composites In Precision Instruments And Optical Systems

Walter R. Mohn, Daniel Vukobratovich

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 27, Issue 2, 270290 (February 1988). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7976651

Abstract

This paper describes three unique metal matrix composite (MMC) material systems that have been developed for use in dimensionally stable platforms, precision mechanical systems, and lightweight reflective optics. These engineered materials, consisting of aluminum alloys reinforced with fine particles of silicon carbide, offer distinctive performance advantages over conventional metals, including greater specific stiffness, higher strength, and better resistance to compressive microcreep. Weighing about the same as aluminum, certain grades of these MMC materials are isotropic and have excellent thermal conductivity, and they can be tailored to match the coefficients of thermal expansion of other materials, including beryllium, stainless steel, and electroless nickel. Such flexibilities in establishing material properties and characteristics present new opportunities to the designer in producing weight-critical, precision hardware. Practical applications of MMC materials in advanced guidance equipment and lightweight optical assemblies are presented and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Walter R. Mohn and Daniel Vukobratovich "Recent Applications Of Metal Matrix Composites In Precision Instruments And Optical Systems," Optical Engineering 27(2), 270290 (1 February 1988). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7976651

Published: 1 February 1988

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available