In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.

A component assembly includes a first component, such as an optical component, and a second component, such as a support component, having different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The component assembly also includes a spacer having a CTE matched to that of the first component, disposed between the first component and the second component. When the CTE of the first component is greater than that of the second component, the second component includes a protrusion, and the spacer includes a complementary opening for receiving the protrusion, such that a joint between the protrusion and the complementary opening is under compressive stress. The spacer also includes a mounting area for receiving the first component, and an air gap disposed between the first component and the protrusion.

A component assembly includes a first component, such as an optical component, and a second component, such as a support component, having different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The component assembly also includes a spacer having a CTE matched to that of the first component, disposed between the first component and the second component. When the CTE of the first component is greater than that of the second component, the second component includes a protrusion, and the spacer includes a complementary opening for receiving the protrusion, such that a joint between the protrusion and the complementary opening is under compressive stress. The spacer also includes a mounting area for receiving the first component, and an air gap disposed between the first component and the protrusion.

A component assembly includes a first component, such as an optical component, and a second component, such as a support component, having different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The component assembly also includes a spacer having a CTE matched to that of the first component, disposed between the first component and the second component. When the CTE of the first component is greater than that of the second component, the second component includes a protrusion, and the spacer includes a complementary opening for receiving the protrusion, such that a joint between the protrusion and the complementary opening is under compressive stress. The spacer also includes a mounting area for receiving the first component, and an air gap disposed between the first component and the protrusion.

A ceramic component retention system includes a metallic component, a ceramic component, and at least one spring element arranged between the metallic component and the ceramic component. The metallic component has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the ceramic component has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The at least one spring element is configured to mechanically couple the ceramic component to the metallic component.

A plug head assembly having a ceramic plug head having an annular retention groove, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, a first clamp portion having a first annular retention protrusion conforming to the annular retention groove, a second clamp portion having a second annular retention protrusion conforming to the annular retention groove, and an annular retention sleeve conforming to the annular retention groove, the annular retention sleeve disposed between the annular retention groove and at least one of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

An example method of mounting a first component to a second component includes receiving at least a fastening assembly within an aperture established in the first component, the fastening assembly coupled to the second component via a linking member, positioning a felt metal material between the fastening assembly and the first component, securing the fastening assembly, and compressing the felt metal material during the securing.

A plug head assembly having a ceramic plug head having an annular retention groove, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, a first clamp portion having a first annular retention protrusion conforming to the annular retention groove, a second clamp portion having a second annular retention protrusion conforming to the annular retention groove, and an annular retention sleeve conforming to the annular retention groove, the annular retention sleeve disposed between the annular retention groove and at least one of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

A thermal expansion includes a bottom portion extending between a support structure and a trailing edge, and the support structure is positioned proximate to a heat source. Furthermore, the thermal expansion joint includes a side portion. In some embodiments, the thermal expansion joint includes an overlapping portion coupled to the bottom portion and extending from a flange portion towards the side portion. Moreover, the overlapping portion overlays and is biased against the side portion to enable thermal expansion during heating by extending towards the flange portion and sliding along a top surface of the side portion.

An exemplary method of adjustably mounting a first component to a second component includes, among other things, securing the first component to the second component with a linking member, and selectively adjusting the temperature of a variable portion of the linking member to change a size of the linking member.