Durable Hybrid Thermal Protection System

In this program, a new thermal protection system (TPS) applicable to leading edge cooling for hypersonic airframes will be designed and demonstrated. The design will draw from the strengths of several advanced aerospace materials, including a new composite panel material to be developed within the program. An innovative design approach that combines an emphasis on thermal management and use of a novel materials system provides enhanced capability. The materials system proposed is enabled by a recent TMMT advance in the synthesis of metal/graphitic foam composite materials with unique thermal properties. The proposed advanced material and design solution innovatively configures the material set into a system that better integrates thermal, structural, and aerodynamic requirements.