Phys.org November 13, 2019 Existing heat shields are often very thick compared to the base they protect. Researchers at Florida State University designed a carbon nanotube/phenolic thermal protection layer (TPL) with heat shield functionality while maintaining designed mechanical strength compared to traditional carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) composites. These TPLs were integrated onto the surface of carbon fiber/bismaleimide composites to act as a heat shield for hybrid composites. The TPLs resulted in a 17% decrease of the through-thickness thermal conductivity for hybrid composites. The material retained its flexibility and strength after flame torch test It has the potential to protect […]
Tag Archives: Heat shield
PhD student develops spinning heat shield for future spacecraft
Phys.org August 9, 2018 Researchers in the UK have developed a flexible, foldable heat shield that is shaped like a skirt and spins like a sycamore seed. The material is lightweight strong and has high temperature tolerance. The shield is stitched along a special pattern that allows it to spin up during flight, inducing centrifugal force. Planets with atmospheres, such as Earth and Mars, allow spacecraft to utilize aerodynamic drag to slow down and the prototype’s design uses this to enable atmospheric entry. The prototype is lightweight and flexible enough for use on smaller satellites… read more.