Thermal Protection

The surface temperatures encountered in hypersonic flight to at leading-edge surfaces to as much as 2700K (4400F) at Mach 10, has placed a focus on the development of thermal protection systems. To address this need, the Hypersonic Systems Initiative includes a Thermal Barrier Materials and Thermal Management Focus Group.

Researchers within this group have capabilities that include molecular simulation of thermal insulation materials such as carbon, characterization of materials properties, nano-indentation, microstructure characterization, IR cameras, thermal conductivity measurement, embedded sensors, thermoelectric power generation harvesting thermal gradients, thermal photo-voltaics, thermal barrier coatings for substrates, thermal radiation cooling using meta-materials-based surfaces, 3D printing of ceramic materials, microscale printing of functional devices (sensors, energy harvesters, etc.), laser melting for material processing, and combinatorial high throughput plus artificial intelligence material development.