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Refractory Composites-For spacecraft re-entry temperatures exceeding 2000 ƒF, the Aerostructures Group has developed designs for thermal protection fabricated out of a coated carbon-carbon composite. As shown on the section of the X-33 leading edge below left, a stiffened C-C panel is attached to the substructure and backside insulation blankets protect the attachments from the high surface temperatures. R&D efforts continue to improve the way in which this material can be used effectively.
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Metallic TPS-The Aerostructures Group has been developing metallic thermal protection panels since the mid-1970's. Today our 4th generation of bonded panels are key to the success of the X-33 and the next generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). For more information on the X-33 program go here X-33. The photo at right shows an example of an early multi-layered titanium sandwich panel designed for temperatures up to 1100 ƒF. The photo at lower right shows a bi-metallic panel fabricated from Inconel and Titanium with encapsulated fibrous insulation. This panel can be used up to 1700 ƒF. The panels shown below were prototypes for the X-33 and are made out of Ti 1100, Inco 617, and MA754, the later material designed for temperatures approaching 2000 ƒF. Current research is looking at higher temperature metal alloys and advanced insulation.
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