METHOD FOR MAKING A RHENIUM ROCKET NOZZLE

摘要

A method for making an article from rhenium and in particular a rocket nozzle. First a molybdenum mandrel is formed with a portion having the desired shape of the nozzle. A layer of rhenium is deposited over the nozzle portion, and then rhenium wire is wrapped around this rhenium layer. A second rhenium layer or a layer of ruthenium is then deposited over the layer of rhenium wire. Alternating layers of rhenium wire and deposited rhenium or ruthenium are applied until a desired thickness is obtained. A layer of molybdenum is applied to can the assembly and the assembly is subject to hot isostatic pressing. Finally, the molybdenum is etched away leaving the rhenium nozzle.