Multilayered Hydrogen-Containing Intermetallic Structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermetallic structures do not efficiently release thermal energy due to limited energy release mechanisms and lack of hydrogen incorporation, which restricts their application in high-energy applications like propellants and thermal batteries.

Innovation Solution

The development of multilayered, hydrogen-containing intermetallic structures is achieved by depositing thin metal layers with specific compositions that undergo intermetallic reactions, followed by plasma hydrogenation to introduce hydrogen, allowing for rapid energy release when activated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional intermetallic structures are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy release amount per unit volume is limited and the energy release mechanism is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy release amount per unit volumeVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermetallic structure is divided into multiple thin metal layers (first metal layer, second metal layer, third metal layer, fourth metal layer) with alternating compositions. This segmentation allows different layers to undergo different intermetallic reactions, thereby increasing the total energy release amount per unit volume while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic layering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite intermetallic structures combining multiple metal layers with different compositions (e.g., Ti/Zr alternating layers). Each metal layer is designed to undergo specific intermetallic reactions with adjacent layers, creating a composite system that releases energy through multiple reaction pathways, thus significantly enhancing the energy release amount per unit volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If hydrogen is not incorporated into the metal layers, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the energy release mechanism is limited and the reaction efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy release mechanism efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Hydrogen is incorporated into the metal layers during the deposition process or through pre-treatment before the intermetallic reactions are activated. This preliminary incorporation of hydrogen ensures that the metal layers are pre-loaded with hydrogen, which then participates in the intermetallic reactions to enhance energy release efficiency when the structure is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the metal layers by incorporating hydrogen into the metal structure. This parameter change (adding hydrogen) fundamentally alters the energy release mechanism, enabling more efficient and energetic intermetallic reactions compared to traditional hydrogen-free structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If metal layers with thickness greater than 100 nm are used, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the energy release per unit volume is reduced and the reaction speed is slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy release speedVSAvoidlayer thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each metal layer is designed with a specific thin thickness (less than 100 nm) optimized for rapid heat diffusion and fast reaction kinetics. This local thickness optimization ensures that the intermetallic reactions proceed quickly throughout the structure, achieving high energy release speed. The systematic control of layer thickness across the entire structure maintains manufacturing precision through standardized deposition parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The multilayered structures can release a high amount of energy per unit volume rapidly, surpassing traditional structures without hydrogen, due to the enhanced energy release mechanism and hydrogen incorporation, making them suitable for high-energy applications.

Implementation Method 1

introducing hydrogen into at least one of the first and second metal layers by plasma hydrogenation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma hydrogenation: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

Intermetallic reactions involve the release of thermal energy through an exothermic reaction between two different metallic elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntermetallic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentUS7718016B2Methods of making multilayered, hydrogen-containing intermetallic structures

Publication Date: 2010.05.18 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

Methods of making multilayered, hydrogen-containing intermetallic structures including at least two adjacent metal layers are disclosed. At least one of the metal layers contains hydrogen, which can be introduced into the metal by plasma hydrogenation. The intermetallic structures can have high hydrogen contents and micrometer-sized and nanometer-sized dimensions.