Patent ID: 7498077

Claim:
A metal matrix composite structure comprising: a tubular core material comprising a metal having a first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface is extending along the length of said tubular core material, wherein said tubular core defines at least one channel running along the length of said tubular core material, and wherein said tubular core has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a regular polygon, and an irregular polygon; a first metal matrix composite layer attached to said first surface; and a second metal matrix composite layer attached to said second surface, wherein said second metal matrix composite layer comprises metal matrix composite tape having continuous reinforcing fibers comprising aluminum oxide fibers, wherein all the continuous reinforcing fibers are oriented substantially parallel to the length of said second metal matrix composite layer, and wherein the length of the second metal matrix composite layer extends along the length of the tubular core material.