Research progress on thermal protection materials and structures of hypersonic vehicles

Abstract

Hypersonic vehicles represent future trends of military equipments and play an important role in future war. Thermal protection materials and structures, which relate to the safety of hypersonic vehicles, are one of the most key techniques in design and manufacture of hypersonic vehicles. Among these materials and structures, such as metallic temperature protection structure, the temperature ceramics and carbon/carbon composites are usually adopted in design. The recent progresses of research and application of ultra-high temperature materials in preparation, oxidation resistance, mechanical and physical characterization are summarized.

Diffusion of fission products and radiation damage in SiC

“…Due to these properties and its mechanical strength at temperatures even above 1000°C [6 pir], SiC has many applications in the abrasive industry. It is also considered as a construction material either on its own or as part of a multi-layer structure or, more commonly, in a ceramic matrix with other high temperature materials for, say, hypersonic aircraft on their re-entry into the atmosphere at high speeds [7,8]. Recently, SiC nanotubes was grown which created a new class of nanotube structures with many application possibilities [9].…”

Thermal properties and performance of carbon fiber‐based ultra‐high temperature ceramic matrix composites (Cf‐UHTCMCs)

“…Interest in advanced materials with temperature capabilities well in excess of 2000°C for aerospace applications has increased over the last few decades due to the development of hyper velocity platforms and the need for greater ablation‐resistance for key rocket components such as nozzles and leading edges . The correct selection of the materials, the optimum design of the component and the adequate processing route are the key steps to obtain materials to withstand these extreme conditions .…”

Structural Influence on the Thermal Conversion of Self‐Catalyzed HfB2/ZrB2 Sol–Gel Precursors by Rapid Ultrasonication of Oxychloride Hydrates

“…Ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic (UHTC) transition‐metal borides specifically, HfB 2 and ZrB 2 , have unique properties of extremely high melting temperatures (>3000°C), as well as high strength, electrical/thermal conductivity, and oxidation resistance . Proposed applications involve aerospace technologies, such as hypersonic and reentry thermal protection systems, in addition to industrial applications as refractory systems . To expand industrial applications, UHTCs powders must be formed with high phase purity, controlled surface areas, and particle morphology to enable colloidal processing, and to improve high‐temperature densification behavior.…”