Project Title:

Lightweight Ceramic Ablators

Fiber Materials, Inc.
5 Morin Street
Biddeford, ME 04005-4497

93-1-04.24-5911

Lightweight Ceramic Ablators

Abstract:

Future atmospheric entry vehicles will require thermal protection
materials/systems that are more durable, lower weight, combined
with highly efficient protection from atmospheric heating. One
low density material concept has been found to exhibit good
ablation and in-depth thermal response under simulated entry
conditions. This material is a low density carbon fiber
reinforced carbon matrix with a nominal density of 0.18 gm/cm3.
The purpose of this proposed effort is to investigate, both
analytically and experimentally, the influence of various
material variables of this low density carbon material for these
types of applications. In particular, it is proposed that the
influence or density, anisotropy, fiber type and polymer matrix
be investigated.

The results from this research/investigation will lead to better
insulation materials, particularly for very high temperature
furnaces, such as those which are used in the production of high
modulus, high thermal conductivity carbon yarns which operate at
temperatures in excess of 2700øK.

Low Density, Ceramic Ablators, Carbon Fiber, Carbon-Carbon, High
Temperature Insulators