Hypersonics and Space
at 3000˚F results in minimal ablation
Next-generation vehicles and weapons will travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5—five times faster than the speed of sound. These environments create extreme material challenges due to intense heat, pressure, and oxidative conditions. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is developing advanced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to meet the demands of operating in these extreme environmental conditions.
Carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites can fly more aggressive flight profiles than conventional metals and carbon/carbon (C/C):
- Maintain high strength at temperatures above 3000°F
- Stable under high heat flux conditions
- Lighter weight than metals
- Ablation resistant and better able to retain the desired manufactured geometries under stress
- Hybrid manufacturing approach balances performance with cost/schedule considerations
for high-temperature, and low corrosion
performance in harsh environments
Composites Carbon fiber-reinforced zirconium carbide (C/ZrC) matrix composites deliver exceptional performance for extreme applications:
- Performs at temperatures up to 3500°F
- Customizable microstructure through controlled processing
- Outstanding resistance to hot hydrogen environments
- Ideal for extreme heat and ablation resistance on aircraft leading edges