Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating and forming apparatus for sheet material and method for rapid heating and shaping of sheet material. The apparatus comprises a first and second respectively movable forming dies, with the first forming die having a forming surface and defining a cavity with the second forming die. The apparatus is adaptable to receive a sheet material positionable within the cavity. A heating mechanism is placed within the cavity to heat the sheet material. The forming surface of the first forming die is not substantially heated. A pressurization mechanism is in communication with the cavity to move the sheet material into conformity with the forming surface of the first die. An improvement in the process of stretch forming a sheet material into a product by using quick plastic forming (QPF) or superplastic forming (SPF) is provided.

Abstract: Heterogeneous metal matrix composite (MMC), and preform for making same. The MMC has two distinct interpenetrating metal-containing regions one of which is rich in reinforcement particles, and the other of which is devoid of reinforcement particles. The particle-free region pervades the composite in the form of a three-dimensional, open-cell reticulum of randomly oriented ligaments interconnecting a plurality of nodes and defining a plurality of interconnected interstitial cells of varying size. To make the MMC, a preform comprising an open cell foam substrate infiltrated with reinforcement particles is filled with the matrix metal. In one embodiment, the substrate is a fugitive polymer foam which is removed prior to filling the preform with metal. In another embodiment, the substrate is a metal foam which remains with the preform and the MMC after filling with metal.