High-Emissivity Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Airframes

New materials and processes are needed to achieve performance requirements of future ballistic missile defense systems (BMDS). Ever increasing demands on achievable speed and performance require thermally stable, lightweight and mechanically robust thermal protection systems to protect underlying structures from aerothermal heating, radiative heating, as well as impact from rain and other particulate. Oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) based on aluminum phosphate matrix compositions are proposed to enable high thermal benefit and mechanical integrity. Inherent high emissivity of the CMCs will provide added benefit of improved radiative heat rejection. In addition surface coatings proven to seal against moisture ingress and offer protection against hypersonic rain impact will be used to create an engineered surface needed for these conditions. Phase I activities will consist of CMC coupon fabrication and testing, while Phase II will focus on process scale up and prototype fabrication.