Ceramic Composites for Rocket Engine Turbines

Use of ceramic materials in the hot section of the fuel turbopump of advanced reusable rocket engines promises increased performance and payload capability, improved component life and economics, and greater design flexibility. Severe thermal transients present during operation of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) push metallic components to the limit of their capabilities. Future engine requirements may be even more severe. In Phase I of this two Phase program, performance benefits have been quantified and continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) components have demonstrated a potential to survive the hostile environment of an advanced rocket engine turbopump