Carbon/Carbon Nozzle Throat Inserts

Initial construction of Integral Throat Exit (ITE) Carbon/Carbon materials consists of a three-dimensional woven part having carbon fibers in the axial, radial and circumferential directions, or four-dimensional construction with fiber in X, Y and Z directions and additional fibers placed in X, Y planes or in the XZ or YZ planes as shown below. X-ray techniques are used to determine weave integrity. The woven preform is pressure impregnated with liquid pitch to fill the voids between the yarn, densified at high pressure (up to 15,000 psi), and heat treated at 2550°C (4622°F) to produce a rigid multi-dimensional reinforced graphite structure. The impregnation, densification and graphitization cycles are repeated until final desired density is obtained.

The complete process from carbon yarn to finished billet is carefully monitored by Quality Assurance Inspectors. Each billet is subjected to numerous specified mechanical and thermal tests prior to shipment to the customer. These tests include tensiles (hoop tensile for 3-D polar woven materials) and compressions, radial shears, circumferential thermal expansions and thermal conductivities, axial compressions required to meet specific customer specification.

Braided Carbon/Carbon Integral Nozzle Throat and Exit Cone

Rocket nozzles must withstand an extremely rapid temperature increase in a highly corrosive atmosphere while maintaining a high degree of integrity. In addition to exposure to severe thermal stresses, the nozzle material must perform predictably and uniformly to provide the required accuracy and range. FMI’s 3-D and 4-D carbon composite parts satisfy these required conditions with performance and reliability that cannot be realized by other materials.

In addition to other systems, FMI^® is the principal/selected supplier of C/C nozzle materials for the following programs:

Strategic Systems
Peacekeeper Missile - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Stages Trident - 1st & 3rd Stages - Densify 2nd Stage Preform
Tactical Systems
Tomahawk Missile Aegis Missile THAAD Missile National Missile Defense / Theater Missile Defense PAC 3

Fiber Materials, Inc. would be pleased to respond to your requirements for Carbon/Carbon advanced composites and high temperature materials.