The nose cap and the wing leading edges of the space shuttle

The nose cap and the wing leading edges of the space shuttle may reach temperatures of up to 1650°C. (a) Would the silica fiber compound (HRSI) be a suitable candidate for these sections of the shuttle? (b) If not, select a suitable material for this location. (c) List the important properties of the selected material that satisfy the design needs.

Solution

CMC ceramic matrix composites are used for these type of applications. Generally those are silica fiber,alumina,carbon. But silica condition above 1600°c is not good. Above 1600°c and a low partial pressure of oxygen result in so called active oxidation, in which CO CO2 and gaseous SiO are formed causing rapid loss of SIC. So for these max temp applications we can\'t use this.

General temp for this application 1250°C at nose cap and wings for this reinforced carbon carbon fibers were used.

HRSI means High Temperature reusable surface insulation

LI900 Silica ceramics used where reentry temperature was below 1260°c

For above 1650°C temperature materials you can see website

Ntrs.nasa.gov>casi.ntrs.nasa.gov

Some are

Carbon fibers with platinum casting

The link contains good information

Please go through it

It gives you sufficient knowledge

Important factors are

Temperature resistance

Non reactive at that temperature

No to oxidation at that temperature

Good mechanical properties