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| Ceramic Applications in Aerospace |
| Description Ceramics are increasingly being used in commercial and military aircraft as well as the space shuttle and its equipment. Ceramic applications include thermal protection systems in rocket exhaust cones, insulating tiles for the space shuttle, engine components and ceramic coatings that are embedded into the windshield glass of many airplanes. Ceramic fibers are used as heat shields for fire protection and thermal insulation in aircraft and space shuttles because they resist heat, are lightweight and do not corrode. Other significant characteristics include high melting temperatures, resiliency, tensile strength and a chemical inertness. In addition, aircraft windshields are heated by a transparent, electric-conducting ceramic coating embedded in the glass to keep them clear from fog and ice. Presently, ceramics are being tested for use in ceramic engine components of airplanes. The results expected will be lighter engines with increased fuel efficiency. In the future, this could mean an entirely new shape of airplane due to the change in the engine's fuel consumption. The following individuals may be contacted regarding ceramic applications in aerospace. John D. Buckley Distinguished Research Associate (DRA) Mail stop 226 NASA-Langley Research Center Hampton, VA 23681-2199 757/864-4557 (phone) • 757/864-8840 (fax)• j.d.buckley@larc.nasa.gov (e-mail) Background: Buckley has general knowledge about ceramics in present and future aerospace applications. Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D. NASA-Johnson Space Center 2200 Todville Road Seabrook, TX 77586 281/483-6594 (phone) • 281/483-3379 (fax) Background: Dunbar is an astronaut, a ceramic engineer and Assistant Director of University Research and Affairs at Johnson Space Center. Douglas W. Freitag President Bayside Materials Tech. 21150 New Hampshire Ave. Brookeville, MD 20833 301/570-3821 (phone) • 301/570-3836 (fax) • dfreitag@ix.netcom.com (e-mail) Background: Bayside Materials Technology specializes in supporting industry and government in assessing, commercializing and developing advanced ceramic materials and manufacturing technologies for a broad range of industrial and defense applications. Dr. Allan P. Katz U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Materials & Manufacturing Directorate AFRL/MLLN Bldg. 655 2230 10th St. Suite 1 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7817 937/255-9824 (phone) • 937/656-4296 (fax) • allen.katz@wpafb.af.mil (e-mail) Background: Katz is in research and develops ceramic composites used in aerospace. |