Titanium Matrix Composites Take-off
Design and Development
A drawing of the original F16 (lightweight) main landing gear, with in yellow the lower drag brace. This is the part to be replaced by a monofilament Silicon Carbide reinforced Titanium one.
Materials Testing
SEM (Scanning Elecron Microscopy) picture of TMC coupon fracture surface
Fracture and failure mode analysis of coupons. The SCS-6 fibers are clearly visible, as well as the fractured titanium matrix
Non-linear Finite Element stress analysis
Using ABAQUS software, a stress analysis of the titanium parts of the drag brace, including the effects of internal stresses.
A stress analysis of the SiC fiber reinforced parts, also including the effects of internal stresses.
The CAD model of the TMC Lower Drag Brace in the Drag Brace assembly.
The TMC lower drag brace in front of the reference part, the high strength steel part.
The achieved weight reduction is approximately 40% (from 7.7 kg to 4.5 kg).