The National Defense Prototype Center (NDPC), a joint collaboration between Wichita
State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research and Spirit AeroSystems,
provides a secure space for high temperature materials testing, development, prototyping
and industrialization. The NDPC encompasses more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing
and lab space with processing and characterization capabilities, including high temperature
testing, furnaces for fabricating and processing materials, multi-method non-destructive
inspection, robotic automated fi ber placement technology and a large autoclave.
Processing
Existing processing equipment includes a hot isostatic press (HIP) for ceramic and
metal processing as well as a sintering furnace capable of processing oxide/oxide
composites. Processing equipment to be installed over the next year includes furnaces
for polymer infi ltration and pyrolysis (PIP) processing of ceramic matrix composites
(Retort Furnace, Sintering Furnace) and a large autoclave for processing composites.
HIP – Quintus QIH15L, 1500M: Max Operating Temp 1500ºC (2700ºF), Max Operating Pressure
207 MPa (30 ksi), Max Payload 500 mm (20 in) height by 186 mm (7.3 in) diameter
Oxide/Oxide Sintering Furnace – 24”x24”x48”, Temperature up to 2350ºF
PIP Processing Furnace- L&L Model XLC3348 (Atmospheric Retort Furnace)
Autoclave – 13 ft diameter, 26 ft long, max pressure 200psi, Max temperatre 800ºF
Characterization
Equipment to be installed over the next year includes a multi-unit NDI cell capable
of phased array, C-Scan and other ultrasonic methods depending on the robotic head
used and a North Star XRay CT system.
Testing
Multiple load frames capable of various mechanical tests are being installed over
the next year including two that will be able to reach 5000ºF in an inert environment.
These load frames complement existing testing capabilities at other NIAR locations
where testing can be performed up to 3000ºF in air.
MTS Axial Torsional Test Systems, 22 kips (static and fatigue)
Testorr Materials Testing Furnace Systems including hot zone of 12 in height and 6.5
in diameter
