Silicon Carbide Monofilament Reinforced Titanium Composites For Space Structures: A New Material Option
Abstract
Silicon carbide fibre reinforced titanium composite material has been in development since the 1980s initially for high temperature structures on hypersonic vehicles (HOTOL, NASP). Since then development has focused on military and civil aircraft. Development in the European Union has reached a level of maturity where it is again being considered for space applications. Current activities include pressure vessels and studies for launch vehicles and satellite applications. The paper provides background to the technology key performance characteristics current application work and future activities. The renewed interest in hypersonic vehicles has also picked up on the potential for lightweight metallic composites.
- Publication:
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12th European Conference on Spacecraft Structures, Materials and Environmental Testing
- Pub Date:
- July 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012ESASP.691E..34K