Giuseppe Maria INFANTE, Leonardo Luca MELLONE, Daniele GUIDA, Carlo PURPURA, Mario DE STEFANO FUMO, Alessandro AIROLDI, Antonio Maria CAPORALE, Marco RIVA

DOI Number: 10.60853/z7y8-cq37

Conference number: HiSST-2024-00340

The thermal protection systems for reusable space transport vehicles primarily rely on ceramic matrix composite materials, known as CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composites). C/SiC (Carbon/Silicon Carbide) represents a solution for the development of thermostructures capable of operating at temperatures up to 1600°C. In Europe, they have been developed in many Space Vehicle projects (X-38, EXPERT, IXV). To date, their usage needs to be verified for reusability within a structural philosophy that involves assigning increasingly significant structural tasks to C/SiC structures under conditions characterized by exposure to significant thermal fluxes for extended periods. The AM3aC2A project aims to develop numerical tools for multi-scale modeling dedicated to space-specific materials and their integration with experimental protocols to define a design methodology for reusable space thermal structures, not only considering C/SiC but also considering UHTCMCs, a new class of materials primarily based on matrices of metallic borides reinforced with carbon fibers and aim to achieve operating temperatures exceeding 2000°C. Challenges include complex material behavior and the need for conservative designs due to limited knowledge. Within the AM3aC2A project, the Italian Aerospace Research Centre (CIRA) has been involved to perform PWT design, testing and post-test analyses on the CMC and UHTCMC samples. The design and manufacturing phases of the TAs are already completed, while PWT testing is foreseen in the next months; the results will be included in the paper. Italy’s involvement in this project enhances its capabilities in critical technologies and opens opportunities for a wide range of applications, from space propulsion to aviation, energy, and automotive sectors. By reaching Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5), Italy can demonstrate its national capacity for designing and testing ceramic matrix composite components, fostering innovation and international competitiveness. The project holds great promise for future space programs and technological advancements in various industries.

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In Categories: 1.Events, HiSST 2024, Materials and Structures
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