Progress and challenges in lightweight ceramic matrix composite structures towards integrated thermal protection structure

Abstract

Hypersonic flight technology is an important direction in the development of aerospace field and plays an important role in national defense security. The thermal protection materials and structures are the key to the safe service of hypersonic vehicles in extreme environments. On one hand, the thermal protection materials and structures must be able to withstand the harsh aerodynamic thermal environment, and on the other hand, they also must reduce its mass to increase the vehicle payload. Therefore, it is necessary to develop thermal protection structures that can combine high temperature resistance, light weight, and load-bearing characteristics at the same time. The manufacturing methods of lightweight C/SiC ceramic matrix composite structures were firstly introduced in this review, then the research on the room temperature and high temperature mechanical behavior, heat transfer mechanism and behavior of the lightweight C/SiC ceramic matrix composite structures were summarized. At last, integrated thermal protection structures with high temperature resistance and lightweight load-bearing were reviewed based on the lightweight C/SiC ceramic matrix composite structures. Finally, the future challenges of the lightweight ceramic matrix composite structures towards thermal protection application were also forecasted in four aspects: new design theory and method, new manufacturing technology, service characteristics and multi-functional integrated design and realization. This review provides some guidance for the research and development of novel thermal protection structures for the next generation hypersonic flight.

Keywords

• c/sic ceramic matrix composites
• lightweight lattice structure
• mechanical behavior
• heat transfer behavior
• integrated thermal protection structure