Matrix design, monoliths

Examples of the matrix design of metallic monoliths. Adapted... 

Cera.micA.bla.tors, Several types of subliming or melting ceramic ablators have been used or considered for use in dielectric appHcations particularly with quartz or boron nitride [10043-11 -5] fiber reinforcements to form a nonconductive char. Fused siHca is available in both nonporous (optically transparent) and porous (sHp cast) forms. Ford Aerospace manufactures a 3D siHca-fiber-reinforced composite densified with coUoidal siHca (37). The material, designated AS-3DX, demonstrates improved mechanical toughness compared to monolithic ceramics. Other dielectric ceramic composites have been used with performance improvements over monolithic ceramics (see COMPOSITE MATERIALS, CERAMIC MATRIX). 

Transbuccal drug delivery systems are a new technology and spinoff of transdermal/topical drug delivery systems. Similar to monolithic adhesive matrix—type skin patches, transbuccal systems are designed to adhere to mucosal tissue in the oral cavity. A number of compounds are being evaluated in clinical studies.88... 

Which of these techniques are most likely, in my estimation, to be applicable to ceramic matrix composites Ultrasonics or acoustic emission evaluation techniques are adaptable for high temperatures if high temperature coupling materials can be used. The other techniques do not appear to be immediately applicable, even to monolithic ceramics. Laser holography has been shown to be useful in determining displacements and deflections in turbine airfoils.28 For experimental laboratory setups, the use of such equipment is relatively direct but the most likely drawback for in-service conditions is the size and placement of lasers and detectors compared to the available space and design. Some creative engineering will be required here in order to utilize these kinds of techniques. 

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