Revolutionary Materials for Hypersonic Flight

Abstract

A team had been assembled to address challenges presented by future generations of hydrocarbon-fueled, long-range expendable missiles that operate up to Mach 7. The core issues involve robust materials and designs capable of sustaining pressure loads and extreme heat flux as well as shape-morphing components that allow efficient flight scenarios. The concepts invoke active cooling of the combustion system as well as passive cooling, through the use of heat pipes, of leading edges. The emphasis is on refractory alloys, coated to provide oxidation protection. Structural concepts leading to near-zero thermal expansion are also pursued. The document highlights the principal challenges and the key accomplishments of the program. Additional details are, found in the published papers, listed at the end of the document.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA552599

Entities

People

  • A. G. Evans
  • Carlos G. Levi
  • F. W. Zok
  • H.N.G. Wadley
  • R. M. Mcmeeking
  • R. M. Miles
  • Tresa M. Pollock

Organizations

  • University of California Regents

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Climate Change
  • Combustion
  • Geometric Forms
  • Heat Flux
  • Heat Pipes
  • Hypersonic Flight
  • Hypersonic Vehicles
  • Leading Edges
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Test Facilities
  • Thermal Expansion
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Software Engineering
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics