The Role of Composite Thermal Performance in Hypersonics
Thermal performance is a consideration in hypersonic environments for obvious reasons. As a composite material supplier, we need to deliver materials that meet the high-performance demands of hypersonic speed. Those demands include outstanding thermal performance.
Our advanced composites must be able to resist extreme heat. They must be able to maintain their structural integrity and be subject to minimal ablation. Otherwise, failure is likely. And that is not something you want to see in hypersonics.
Engineering Carbon and Ceramic Composites
Carbon-carbon composites are ideal for applications like rocket nozzles and leading edges. They are capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 2,000°C in non-oxidizing environments. And yet carbon-carbon composites are not appropriate for other applications.
For applications requiring high temperature strength, superior oxidation resistance, and graceful failure, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are the right choice. We see them used a lot in SiC systems. They do a far better job than monolithic ceramics and metals.
The best of the best are ultrahigh-temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs). They are designed with rare-earth oxide additives capable of reducing ablation at up to 2,500°C. Even under extreme conditions, the stable and viscous oxide layers of a UHTCMC make the material highly reliable.
Preventing Ablation With Advanced Composites
A composite material supplier with experience in hypersonics understands the need to prevent ablation. Hypersonic vehicles are exposed to temperatures of 2,000°C or more. As a result, they undergo severe thermal cycling. Designing composites with advanced surface engineering keeps these vehicles intact by achieving superior multi-cycle ablation resistance.
The key is a multi-layer and multi-material architecture. A good example is combining a CMC with a UHTC to distribute thermal and mechanical loads more evenly across a component. Designers achieve maximum protection without compromising weight requirements.
In terms of layers, imagine a thermal protection system consisting of an outer ablation layer, a middle layer of insulation, and an internal structure. Each of the three specialized composite layers brings something to the equation.
Thermal Shock and Mechanical Stability
Thermal performance in hypersonics is not just about resisting high temperatures. Engineers also need to think about thermal shock and mechanical stability. For example, ceramic composites with specially designed fiber reinforcements increase thermal shock resistance. As a result, crack propagation is delayed even under rapid heating and cooling conditions.
Mechanical stability can be achieved through self-healing systems and surface coatings capable of reforming protective barriers even at hypersonic speeds. Advanced composites with such capabilities keep an aircraft in the air even after suffering damage.
Imagine a hypersonic aircraft without self-healing systems. Even the slightest bit of damage could bring it down in seconds. But with self-healing composites in play, the vehicle can safely make it back to Earth.
The Future Is Still Unfolding
Hypersonic environments are aggressive environments. They dish out a lot of punishment to any vehicles attempting to occupy the space. So it’s up to composite material suppliers, like Axiom Materials, to continue developing the highly specialized aerospace composites the future is depending on.
That future is still unfolding even now. Companies like ours are actively developing SiC-based UHTCMCs that offer even more protection and precise control. We are looking at material costs, manufacturing processes, and any other factors affecting our ability to deliver better materials for extended range and payload applications.
Advanced composites are what we do. If you have been looking for a composite material supplier with the ability to help you design and build reliable hypersonic vehicles, consider Axiom Materials. We are known for supplying some of the most advanced composites of the day. Meanwhile, we are developing new composites for the future.