High-temperature CERAMIC CONCEPT

Astrium GmbH Space Infrastructure investigates ceramic matrix composites for reusable launch vehicle engine heat shield applications.

Application of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) for high-temperature structures and thermal-protection systems on future reusable launch vehicles (RLV) is a generally adopted design principle. In recent years, a substantial effort has been carried out for the enhancement of material performance and the reduction of the manufacturing costs of CMC structures. Particular emphasis has been given to the maturation of CMC systems based on carbon-fiber reinforced silicon-carbide ceramics. This material class has been demonstrated for very-high-temperature application.

RLV structural areas, which are exposed to the reentry heating environment, and the engine heat shields, which are exposed to thermal loading during the active ascent phase, will be candidates for thermal-protection elements based on CMC materials. A feasibility study on CMC engine heat shields carried out recently by Astrium GmbH revealed that a new type of alumina-fiber reinforced CMC material could be a promising alternative to conventional systems.