A structure for assembling parts, comprising a first metal part and a second part made of an organic matrix composite material.

Abstract

1. A component comprising a first metal component (12) and a second component (14) made of an organic matrix composite material, wherein the first component (12) has a first connecting portion (12A), the second component (14) has a second connecting portion (14A), the second connecting portion (14A) has at least one through hole (14B), the second connecting portion (14A) is sandwiched wholly or partially between the first connecting portion (12A) and a metal fastening element (16), and the fastening element (16) is fastened onto the first connecting portion (12A) and onto a portion (12D) other than the first connecting portion (12A) via the through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A), thereby fastening the first component (12) and the second component (14) to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component comprising a metal component and a component made of an organic matrix composite material, assembled together. For example, the component can be a jacket of a rocket engine combustion chamber, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Components comprising a metal component and a component made of a composite material having an organic matrix, assembled together, are known. However, the assembly of these two components can, in most cases, be improved. Therefore, there is a need in this regard.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment relates to a component comprising a first metal component and a second component made of an organic matrix composite material, wherein the first component has a first connection portion, the second component has a second connection portion, the second connection portion has at least one through hole, the second connection portion is wholly or partly sandwiched between the first connection portion and a metal fastening element, and the fastening element is fastened on the first component to both the first connection portion and a portion other than the first connection portion through the through hole of the second connection portion, whereby the first metal component and the second component are fastened to each other.

[0004] It will be understood that the connection portion of one component is the portion that contacts and directly cooperates with the other component. Accordingly, portions that do not cooperate with the other component, for example, portions that do not overlap or are not overlapped, do not belong to the connection portion of the other component.

[0005] It will also be understood that the second connection portion has one or more through holes. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "through hole" shall mean "at least one through hole".

[0006] For example, the fastening elements, while not mandatory, can be made of the same grade of metal as those of the first component.

[0007] The fastening element is fastened to the first component by tightening at least a portion of the second connection. Thus, the second connection is locked between the first connection and the fastening element.

[0008] The fastening element is fastened to the first part at two points. More specifically, the fastening element is fastened to the first part at the first connection point and extends through the through-hole of the second connection point. The fastening element is also directly fastened to the first part at a point other than the first connection point. Therefore, there are two mechanical links between the fastening element and the first part. This makes it possible to assemble the first part and the second part.

[0009] Compared to components known in the prior art, the assembly structure allows for a multiplier of the mounting area, and consequently, better distribution of the applied mechanical force. Furthermore, by clamping the second connection portion whole or partially, the portion of the second connection portion clamped between the first component and the fastening element is completely locked in place, particularly under bending. This has the effect of making the assembly structure of this disclosure more rigid and mechanically stiffer compared to components known in the prior art. In particular, by reducing bending strain near the through hole, the pull-out force on the mounting portion between the fastening element and the first connection portion is reduced.

[0010] For example, these components can be flat or curved plates, and the fastening portion can form a flat or curved flange.

[0011] For example, the first and second connecting portions are plates extending in a first and second direction, respectively, forming plates with thickness in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the first and second components are arranged side by side in the first direction, at least one through hole extends in the third direction, the first and second connecting portions overlap each other in the first and second directions, and the fastening element and the first connecting portion are arranged on both sides of the second connecting portion in the third direction, respectively. The first and / or second directions can be linear or curved in a manner similar to directions defined in a Cartesian coordinate system, cylindrical coordinate system, or spherical coordinate system.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first connector has at least one blind hole, each extending continuously into at least one through hole of the second connector, and the fastening element is fastened to the first connector and extends into the blind hole.

[0013] For example, a blind hole extends in a third direction. A blind hole should be interpreted as a hole that has only a single orifice and forms a concave surface.

[0014] It will be understood that the fastening element engages with the first part, and more specifically, with the first connector in the blind hole. This strengthens the mechanical link between the fastening element and the first part not only against shear forces (i.e., in the direction transverse to the geometric axis of the blind hole) but also against tensile forces (i.e., in the direction parallel to the geometric axis of the blind hole) by providing a larger gripping surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the blind hole has an entrance, a bottom, a side wall extending between the entrance and the bottom, and a geometric axis, the side wall of the blind hole being inclined with respect to the geometric axis of the through hole so as to form a convergence from the entrance to the bottom.

[0016] In other words, the side wall of the blind hole has at least one inclined portion with respect to the geometric axis of the blind hole, which is oriented to face the fastening element. This increases the fastening surface between the fastening element and the first connection, thereby strengthening the mechanical link. Furthermore, the above configuration is particularly suitable when the fastening element is formed by additive manufacturing by cold gas spray deposition of metal powder.

[0017] In some embodiments, the through-hole has side walls and a geometric axis, and the side walls of the through-hole are inclined with respect to the geometric axis of the through-hole so as to form a convergence from the fastening element toward the first connection.

[0018] It will be understood that the geometric axis of the through-hole is coaxial with the geometric axis of the blind hole. It should also be understood that the side wall of the through-hole has at least one portion that is inclined with respect to the geometric axis of the through-hole and oriented to be on the opposite side from the fastening element. For example, the side wall of the blind hole extends continuously with the side wall of the through-hole.

[0019] This increases the cooperative surface area between the fastening element and the second connection, thereby strengthening the mechanical link. Furthermore, this configuration is particularly suitable when the fastening element is formed by additive manufacturing using cold gas spray deposition of metal powder.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first connector includes a shoulder portion configured to cooperate with the second connector.

[0021] The shoulder section provides an additional cohesive surface between the first and second parts, thereby strengthening the assembly. For example, the first part forms a step that creates the shoulder section. For example, the shoulder section extends in a second and a third direction.

[0022] It is formed by addition deposition of metal powder using cold gas spraying, also known as "Cold Gas Spraying" or CGS.

[0023] Additive manufacturing by cold gas spray deposition of metal powder will be understood to be a method of additive manufacturing in which the metal is deposited at a temperature below its melting point. The deposition mode is particularly suitable for such components because it is ensured that the temperature of the metal during deposition remains below the degradation temperature of the organic matrix composite of the second component.

[0024] The fastening element is particularly easy to produce, avoids the need for the welding or bolting steps of the prior art, and thus can relatively reduce the mass.

[0025] In some embodiments, a protective layer is disposed between the fastening element and the second connection portion.

[0026] The protective layer provides protection for the second connection portion, for example when the fastening element is formed of cold gas spraying metal powder. This makes it possible to ensure the mechanical integrity of the second connection portion, and thus to ensure the mechanical strength of the assembly. For example, the protective layer can extend to cover the entire interface between the second component and the fastening element.

[0027] In some embodiments, the component has an overall shape with rotational symmetry.

[0028] The assembly structure of the present disclosure is particularly well-suited for annular components.

[0029] In some embodiments, the component forms a jacket for a rocket engine combustion chamber.

[0030] The assembly structure of the present disclosure is particularly well-suited for the jacket of a rocket engine combustion chamber.

[0031] [[ID=3 (2)]] [[ID=3 (3)]]

[0032] [[ID=3 (4)]] One embodiment also relates to a rocket engine comprising a component according to any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, particularly to a combustion chamber jacket according to any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure.

[0032] The purpose and merits of this disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of various embodiments presented as non-limiting examples. This description refers to the contents of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates a rocket engine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates the jacket of the combustion chamber of the rocket engine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the assembly structure between the metal component and the organic matrix composite component of the combustion chamber jacket shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] For clarity of this disclosure, please note that Figures 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams. Figure 1 illustrates a rocket engine 100 having a combustion chamber jacket 10 opening to a nozzle 20. Figure 2 shows the combustion chamber jacket 10 comprising a first metal part 12, a second part 14 made of an organic matrix composite material, and a plurality of fastening elements 16 for securing the first part 12 to the second part 14. In this example, the combustion chamber jacket 10 is part of an overall shape having rotational symmetry with respect to axis X, and the first part 12 and the second part 14 are each substantially general forms of annular plates. Generally, in this example, the axial direction corresponds to the direction of the geometric axis X of the part 10, and the radial direction R is the direction perpendicular to axis X. The azimuth angle or circumferential direction C corresponds to the direction describing the ring around the axial direction X. The three directions—axial, radial, and azimuth—correspond to directions defined by height, radius, and angle in the cylindrical coordinate system, respectively.

[0035] The first part 12 and the second part 14 form plates extending in a first direction DA (in this example, the first direction is inclined with respect to the axial direction X) and a second direction DB (in this example, the second direction DB is parallel to the circumferential direction C), and have a thickness in a third direction DC perpendicular to the first direction DA and the second direction DB. In this example, reference numerals DA, DB, and DC form local reference points with reference numerals X, C, and R.

[0036] In this example, the first component 12 is made of a metal alloy such as a nickel alloy, the second component 14 is made of a composite having, for example, a thermoplastic or thermosetting type organic matrix, and the fastening element 16 is made of steel or a nickel-type metal alloy. Other materials are also possible. In one modification, multiple fastening elements 16 are replaced with a single annular flange.

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along Plane III of Figure 2 of the assembly structure of the first part 12 and the second part 14 by the fastening element 16. Needless to say, the following description applies to all fixtures including the fastening element 16.

[0038] The first component 12 comprises a first connecting portion 12A having a blind hole 12B and a shoulder portion 12C. The blind hole 12B has a geometric axis Atb extending in a third direction DC between an inlet 12B1 and a bottom 12B2, and also has a side wall 12B3 extending between the inlet 12B1 and the bottom 12B2. In this example, the blind hole 12B is frustoconical in shape, and the side wall 12B3 is uniformly inclined with respect to the axis Atb, forming a convergence from the inlet 12B1 to the bottom 12B2. Needless to say, any other shape of blind hole can be envisioned. The shoulder portion 12C extends transversely in a first direction DA. That is, in this example, the shoulder portion 12C extends in a second direction DB and a third direction DC. Therefore, the first connecting portion 12A forms a step that receives the second connecting portion 14A of the second component 14, which will be described later, and the second component 14 cooperates to come into contact with the shoulder portion 12C in the axial direction X (and the first direction DA). The first component 12 and the second component 14 are arranged side by side in the first direction DA.

[0039] The second component 14 has a second connecting portion 14A having a through hole 14B. This through hole 14B has a geometric axis Att which is integral with the geometric axis Atb of a blind hole 12B extending in a third direction DC, and a side wall 14B3.

[0040] In this example, the through-hole 14B is frustoconical in shape, and its side wall 14B3 is uniformly inclined with respect to the axis At and is formed to converge from the fastening element 16 toward the first connection portion 12A. Needless to say, any other through-hole shape can be envisioned. In one modification, the second connection portion 14A has two or more through-holes, and the first connection portion 12A has the same number of blind holes, or fewer. In this example, a protective layer 18 is positioned between the fastening element 16 and the second connection portion 14A. More specifically, in this example, the protective layer 18 extends to cover the entire interface of the second component 14 with the fastening element 16. In other words, in this example, the protective layer 18 extends not only to cover the side wall 14B3 of the through-hole 14B, but also to cover the wall of the second component 14 on the side opposite to the fastening element 16.

[0041] For example, this protective layer 18 is formed by metal foil or by metal deposition using metal arc wire type additive manufacturing. For example, the protective layer 18 is sealed and bonded to the bottom 12B2 of the blind hole 12B using, for example, a copper seal.

[0042] In this example, the fastening element 16 is formed by additive manufacturing using cold gas spray deposition of metal powder. A protective layer 18 is fitted in a sealed manner on the bottom 12B2, thereby preventing any leakage of material when the material is sprayed to form the fastening element 16, and thereby improving the quality of the fastening and, consequently, the mechanical strength of the fastening.

[0043] The fastening element 16 fastens a portion of the second connection 14A to the first component 12 in the first direction DA. The fastening element 16 is fastened to the first connection 12A through a blind hole 12B and extends through the through hole 14B of the second connection 14A. The fastening element 16 is also fastened to the first component 12 at a different portion of the first connection 12A, in this example, at a portion 12D adjacent to the first connection 12A. In other words, the fastening element 16 forms a fastening "bridge" between the first connection 12A and the adjacent portion 12D, which together with the first component 12 holds a portion of the second connection 14A.

[0044] For example, the contact surface S between the portion 12D and the first component 12. 12D However, the surface S of the bottom 12B2 of the blind hole 12B 12B2 That is all (i.e., S 12D ≥S 12B2 ).

[0045] The fastening elements 16, fastened to two parts of the first component 12, enable locking of the tightened portion of the second connection 14A and rigidification of the assembly, particularly reducing the bending strain F of the assembly (over the circumferential direction C). Thus, these mounting points are less susceptible to force and their mechanical strength is enhanced. With respect to the fastening elements forming an annular flange extending over the entire circumferential direction C, the bending strain of the assembly over the axial direction X is also reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, the fastening of the fastening element 16 to the two parts of the first component 12 allows for better distribution of shear force (i.e., force applied transversely with respect to the radial direction R, or force directed along a plane defined by the axial direction X and the circumferential direction C). Finally, the tensile strength in the radial direction R is also improved.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific examples, it is clear that these examples can be modified or altered without exceeding the general technical scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In particular, individual features of the different embodiments shown or mentioned can be combined in further embodiments. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

[0048] Furthermore, it is clear that all features described in relation to the method can be replaced by the apparatus, either individually or in combination, and conversely, all features described in relation to the apparatus can be replaced by the method, either individually or in combination. Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following inventions. The first aspect is, In a component comprising a first metal component (12) and a second component (14) made of an organic matrix composite material, The first metal part (12) has a first connecting portion (12A), the second part (14) has a second connecting portion (14A), the second connecting portion (14A) has at least one through hole (14B), the second connecting portion (14A) is sandwiched whole or partially between the first connecting portion (12A) and a metal fastening element (16), the metal fastening element (16) is fastened on the first metal part (12) to both the first connecting portion (12A) and the portion other than the first connecting portion (12D) via the through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A), and the first metal part (12) and the second part (14) are fastened to each other. The second aspect is, The first connecting portion (12A) has at least one blind hole (12B) that extends continuously into at least one through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A), and the metal fastening element (16) is a component in the first embodiment that is fastened to the first connecting portion (12A) and extends into the blind hole (12B). The third aspect is, The blind hole (12B) has an entrance (12B1), a bottom (12B2), a side wall (12B3) extending between the entrance (12B1) and the bottom (12B2), and a geometric axis (Atb), wherein the side wall (12B3) of the blind hole (12B) is inclined with respect to the geometric axis (Atb) of the blind hole so as to converge from the entrance (12B1) toward the bottom (12B2), in the second embodiment of the component. The fourth aspect is, The through hole (14B) has a side wall (14B3) and a geometric axis (Att), and the side wall (14B3) of the through hole (14B) is inclined with respect to the geometric axis (Att) of the through hole (14B) such that it forms a shape that converges from the metal fastening element (16) toward the first connection portion (12A), the component in any one of the first to third embodiments. The fifth aspect is, The first connecting portion (12A) is a component in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, comprising a shoulder portion (12C) configured to cooperate with the second connecting portion (14A). The sixth aspect is, The metal fastening element (16) is a component according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, formed by additive manufacturing by cold gas spray deposition of metal powder. The seventh aspect is, The protective layer (18) is a component in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, disposed between the metal fastening element (16) and the second connecting portion (14A). The eighth aspect is, The aforementioned part is a part in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, having an overall shape with rotational symmetry. The ninth aspect is, The aforementioned component is a component in an eighth embodiment that forms the combustion chamber jacket (10) of a rocket engine. The tenth aspect is, This is a rocket engine (100) comprising a combustion chamber jacket (10) in a ninth embodiment.

Claims

1. In a component comprising a first metal component (12) and a second component (14) made of an organic matrix composite material, The first metal part (12) has a first connecting portion (12A), and the second part (14) has a second connecting portion (14A), the second connecting portion (14A) has at least one through hole (14B), the second connecting portion (14A) is fully or partially sandwiched between the first connecting portion (12A) and the metal fastening element (16), the metal fastening element (16) is on the first metal part (12) through the through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A) A component having fasteners fastened to both a connecting portion (12A) and a portion (12D) other than the first connecting portion (12A), wherein the first metal component (12) and the second component (14) are fastened to each other, the first connecting portion (12A) has at least one blind hole (12B) each extending into at least one through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A), and the metal fastening element (16) is fastened to the first connecting portion (12A) and extends into the blind hole (12B).

2. The part according to claim 1, wherein the blind hole (12B) has an entrance (12B1), a bottom (12B2), a side wall (12B3) extending between the entrance (12B1) and the bottom (12B2), and a geometric axis (Atb), and the side wall (12B3) of the blind hole (12B) is inclined with respect to the geometric axis (Atb) of the blind hole so as to converge from the entrance (12B1) toward the bottom (12B2).

3. The part according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through hole (14B) has a side wall (14B3) and a geometric axis (Att), and the side wall (14B3) of the through hole (14B) is inclined with respect to the geometric axis (Att) of the through hole (14B) such that it forms a shape that converges from the metal fastening element (16) toward the first connection portion (12A).

4. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connecting portion (12A) comprises a shoulder portion (12C) configured to cooperate with the second connecting portion (14A).

5. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective layer (18) is disposed between the metal fastening element (16) and the second connecting portion (14A).

6. The part according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the part has an overall shape that is rotationally symmetrical.

7. The part according to claim 6, wherein the part forms the combustion chamber jacket (10) of the rocket engine.

8. A rocket engine (100) comprising the combustion chamber jacket (10) according to claim 7.

9. A method for assembling a part comprising a first metal part (12) and a second part (14) made of an organic matrix composite material, The first metal part (12) has a first connecting portion (12A), and the second part (14) has a second connecting portion (14A). The second connecting portion (14A) has at least one through hole (14B), and the second connecting portion (14A) is sandwiched whole or partially between the first connecting portion (12A) and the metal fastening element (16), and the metal fastening element (16) is fastened on the first metal part (12) to both the first connecting portion (12A) and the portion other than the first connecting portion (12D) via the through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A), and the first metal part (12) and the second part (14) are fastened to each other. The first connecting portion (12A) has at least one blind hole (12B) that extends continuously into at least one through hole (14B) of the second connecting portion (14A), and the metal fastening element (16) is fastened to the first connecting portion (12A) and extends into the blind hole (12B), the method.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the metal fastening element (16) is formed by addition manufacturing by cold gas spray deposition of metal powder.

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