Novel Fabrication Approach for SiC/SiC Thermal Protection System Elements

Durable high temperature materials are required for structural thermal protection systems (TPS) that exhibit a structural load carrying capability at temperatures in excess of 2700ºF. Fabrication times and costs are challenging for high acreage applications such as a structural TPS system. This proposed effort offers a new approach in manufacturing of SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite components cost effectively with short lead time and high flexibility. The composites willbe fabricated via a powder metallurgy/sintering approach using an emerging field assisted sintering technology (FAST). The objective is to fabricate and demonstrate making a cost effective CMC composite by FAST. The SiC/SiC produced will be produced from SiC constituents suitable for TPS applications. Basic mechanical and thermal properties will be measured to assess the promise of the FAST process to rapidly producing a SiC/SiC composite. A technical assessment of the FAST process to produce a 2700ºF+ SiC/SiC will be made as well.