Development of Durable, Fiber-Reinforced Refractory Composites for Thermal Protection Systems (TPSs)

Next-generation endo/exoatmospheric hypersonic vehicles require durable thermal protection systems (TPSs) for leading edges, control surfaces and skin acreage that are resistant to impact damage. Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI) proposes a multidirectional fiber reinforced C/C-SiC TPS that demonstrates high impact durability for both low and high velocity debris. FMI's multidirectional C/C-SiC outer skin will be bonded to multiple layers of varying density foam filled with phase change material for thermal management. The developed TPS will be suitable for application in a variety of hypersonic space vehicles. A multi-phase program will be employed for development and analysis of an impact resistant TPS; results will be confirmed by testing under representative conditions. TPS prototype architectures will be fabricated; mechanical, thermal, and low- and high-velocity impact properties will be tested and analyzed.