A Rigid Composite Structure with a Superhard Interior Surface

Abstract

A rigid composite structure has a first bore formed in a metallic material and a second bore formed by a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the first bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the first bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to composite structures that retain their structural integrity despite exposure to the wear erosive and / or corrosive effects of sudden high pressures, high-pressure friction forces and high temperatures typically associated with their use, particularly within the interior of the structure. The present invention may be especially adapted for use in gun barrels, piston cylinders, pipes or other composite structures where the retention of structural integrity despite exposure to such brisant forces is an integral component of their ordinary application. [0002] Gun barrels for example, are structures that have typically been constructed of metallic materials that are incorporated to accommodate a projectile or bullet that may then be propelled out of the barrel as a result of an exploding cartridge in the breech end of the structure. During this firing process, brisant forces, including high pressure and elevated temperatures, re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention is a rigid composite structure that is resistant to wear and able to retain its structural integrity when exposed to high temperatures and high pressures. This is achieved through the incorporation of high strength, high toughness crystalline materials and their subsequent structural arrangement. The structural arrangement and selected materials used serve to enhance the structures low co-efficient of thermal expansion, low friction refractory, high hardness, and chemical inert properties which in turn provide better retention of structural integrity and resistance to wear.

Problems solved by technology

In some embodiments, the metallic material may exhibit a low co-efficient of thermal expansion.

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