Ferroelastic metal matrix composite for passive vibration
This technology creates a new class of composite materials by embedding special ceramic particles into a metal base. When the material vibrates, the ceramic particles absorb and dissipate that vibrational energy through internal structural rearrangements at the microscopic level — a physical mechanism called twinning and domain motion. The result is a structural material that simultaneously dampens vibrations and maintains strong mechanical properties, unlike conventional damping approaches that add weight or sacrifice strength. Target applications include airframes, spacecraft structures, vehicle components, and buildings where both structural integrity and vibration control matter.
What you could build
A drop-in structural alloy or composite billet for aerospace and defense manufacturers that replaces conventional aluminum or titanium components with a passively damping alternative, reducing the need for added damping treatments. Primary buyers would be aerospace primes, defense contractors, and automotive OEMs seeking lightweight vibration-managed structures.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's concentration of defense and aerospace contractors — including Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Raytheon facilities — as well as shipbuilding primes at Newport News would be plausible end-users or licensing partners for structural damping materials.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Jeffrey Patrick Schultz, Ted Ankomahene Asare, Ben David Poquette, Stephen Lynn Kampe
- Granted
- September 8, 2009
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7586233
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.