Ceramic materials

Retain strength at high temperatures

properties such as high moduli high
compression strength
high temperature capability
high hardness and wear resistance low
thermal conductivity and chemical inertness

Applications of ceramics
Are limited in structural applications due to
low fracture toughness
Ceramics they are primarily reinforced with
fibers particles
Carbon carbon (C-C) composites are the
oldest and most mature of the ceramic matrix
composites

Thermal protective system

Used in development of rocket motor castings,
heat shields, leading edges and thermal
protection system (TPS)

Polymer Infiltration Pyrolysis

Obtain minimum porosity uniform dispersion of
reinforcement and maximum fiber to matrix bonding
Dry pre-form is infiltrated multiple times with a liquid
organic precursor that can be converted by pyrolysis
to a ceramic
Subsequent infiltration is conducted with a liquid
precursor material
The density of the part is increased by repeated
pyrolysis cycle

Super Alloys
Nickel, iron- nickel and cobalt based super
alloys are widely used in aerospace industry
High strength, good fatigue and creep
resistance
Good corrosion resistance and the ability to
operate at elevated temperatures for
extended periods of time

Application of super alloys

Rocket engines , reciprocating engines &
steam turbines

Metallurgical Consideration
The most important precipitate in nickel and ironnickel based super alloys is FCC ordered Ni3(Al,Ti)
The coherency between and is maintained at
high temperature leading to low overage rate
Alloy containing high volume of exhibit an increase
in strength at high temperatures
Addition of carbon improves the hardenability of the
super alloys

Metal Matrix composites

Silicon carbide or alumina ceramic particles in an
aluminum matrix are known as discontinuously
reinforced aluminum (DRA)
Used for electronic packaging and thermalmanagement applications in the communication
satellites and global positioning systems

Manufacturing process
Two stage process involving a primary and a
secondary deformation process
Primary process include Liquid metal infiltration,
casting, spray deposition and powder metallurgy
Secondary deformation processing helps to break up
reinforcement agglomerates, reduce or eliminate
porosity and improve the reinforcement-to-matrix
bond

Conclusion
Development of space vehicle and it materials have
undergone significant changes
Increase in the demand for performance of space
vehicles lies a demand for new materials with
superior performance characteristics
Material structure and the behavior of alloyed
components plays a vital role
strengthening mechanisms of the materials aid the
design engineers to fabricate the right material for
the desired application