Introduction

Aerospace and defense applications require advanced materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Rogers Corporation is a leading materials supplier that develops engineered materials for these demanding industries. For over 180 years, Rogers has innovated unique material solutions to enable the next generation of aerospace and defense products.

Key Rogers Materials for Aerospace and Defense

High Frequency Circuit Materials

Rogers’ circuit materials provide the high frequency, low loss properties essential for radar, communication systems, and other RF/microwave applications. Key materials include:

• RO4000 Series: Glass reinforced hydrocarbon laminates with outstanding high frequency performance. Widely used for antennas, power amplifiers, filters, and more.
• RT/duroid 6000: PTFE composite circuits with low loss, low Dk, and thermal stability. Ideal for high power and high frequency designs.

Vibration/Shock Damping Materials

Effective vibration and shock mitigation improves equipment reliability and protects sensitive components. Rogers BISCO materials provide excellent damping properties.

• BISCO Silicone: Exceptional vibration damping and low outgassing. Used to attenuate shock/vibe in space, defense, and commercial aerospace systems.
• BISCO Honeycomb Damping Cores: Lightweight core constructed with viscoelastic silicone damping polymers. Reduces noise/vibration in aircraft structures.

Poron Urethanes

Rogers PORON polyurethane foams deliver protection, sealing, and cushioning throughout the aerospace industry. Key applications include:

• Aircraft Seat Cushions: Enhance passenger comfort on long flights.
• Rotor Blade Protection: Protect leading rotor edges against damage from bird strikes.
• Panel Seals/Gaskets: Provide vibration dampening and thermal isolation for electronics enclosures.

Other Materials

• Thermal management materials:Graphite and ceramic materials manage heat in avionics and other systems.
• Sealing/isolating products: foams and tapes for EMI/RFI shielding and environmental sealing.

Rogers Innovations Enable Aerospace and Defense Missions

For decades, Rogers innovations have been at the heart of major aerospace and defense programs. Some examples include:

• F-35 Lightning II: Rogers materials used in radar systems, avionics, and cockpit displays. Enables stealth, data fusion, and enhanced situational awareness.
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner: BISCO damping polymers reduce airframe noise and vibration. Rogers circuit materials used in communication systems.
• NASA Mars Rovers: Rogers PORON foams protect rover electronics from launch stresses, vibration, and thermal cycling.

Rogers continues to collaborate with customers to solve technology challenges. Ongoing research and product development supports the future needs of the aerospace and defense industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rogers circuit materials well-suited for aerospace/defense applications?

Rogers circuit materials offer exceptional high frequency performance and low loss properties. They maintain stable electrical and mechanical properties through extreme temperature changes and other environmental stresses. These capabilities are critical for the rugged operating conditions of aerospace/defense electronics.

How are Rogers damping materials used in aircraft structures?

Strategic use of viscoelastic damping polymers isolates vibrations within aircraft structures. This attenuates noise and enhances passenger comfort. Damping materials are applied inside component walls or within honeycomb core structures. Their excellent specific damping properties maximize vibration reduction with minimal added weight.

What kind of testing is done to qualify Rogers materials for aerospace use?

Rogers subjects its aerospace materials to rigorous qualification testing. This includes assessing mechanical, electrical, and environmental properties after exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, fluids, radiation, and other conditions. Long term testing verifies performance remains stable over product lifetimes spanning decades.

How does Rogers support adoption of its materials in new programs?

Rogers works closely with OEM and Tier 1 partners through all stages of new product development. Rogers provides application support, material testing, tooling development, and other services to aid customers in qualifying and integrating Rogers materials into their designs.

Does Rogers manufacture finished components or mainly supply materials to Tier 1 suppliers?

Rogers focuses on developing advanced material technologies for aerospace and defense. We supply our materials to Tier 1 partners who manufacture finished components and subassemblies. However, Rogers does fabricate some specialized components when enabled by our unique material technologies.