Designing metal matrix composites to meet their target: Particulate reinforced aluminium alloys for missile applications

Aluminium alloys have traditionally been used for the manufacture of missile structural parts. As the performance of missiles improves, kinetic heating will increase and the continued use of conventional monolithic aluminium alloys for the manufacture of structural parts for short to medium range missiles will be limited by their elevated temperature performance. Steel or titanium alloys could be used but these may add weight or be more expensive. The alternative is to exploit the potential benefits of the high specific properties of aluminium based metal matrix composites (MMCs) which may be substantially retained during short term exposure to elevated temperatures. The improvements in strength and stiffness could enable weight savings to be made by reductions in wall thickness of the missile structure or alternatively, the improved stiffness of components such as wings and fins may prove beneficial for improved missile accuracy. The aim of the present paper is to highlight the results of demonstrator programmes which have been designed to assess the potential benefits of both particulate and fibre reinforced aluminium based MMCs for missile applications.