Reinforced Composites for Piston Engine Components

Several different piston engine components were fabricated and evaluated in engine survival tests to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the proprietary LANXIDE™ ceramic and metal matrix composite technology for advanced engine applications. The demonstration components are ceramic matrix composites, containing either alumina or silicon carbide particulate fillers in an alumina matrix. The four demonstration components - cam follower, camshaft, valve seat insert, and exhaust port liners - were made to near net shape and characterized for mechanical and thermal properties. The valve seat insert was made in larger quantities to evaluate process reproducibility.