At first, you may find it difficult to imagine a brittle item like ceramic being a material component in aerospace engineering, much less a crucial one.
Few materials have the required strength-to-weight ratio to support space travel while maintaining their structural integrity at 3,000°F/1649°C. However, advanced ceramic materials possess the right qualities to enable aerospace crafts to withstand frictional heating during descent through the Earth’s atmosphere.
So, while pottery/porcelain may not be your favourite kitchenware material, its engineered cousins are invaluable in the aerospace sector.
Let’s examine what makes ceramics important in the aerospace industry and how it’s revolutionizing aerospace craft engineering.
Ceramics in Aerospace: What’s it All About?
Friction from high-speed descent causes aerospace crafts to burn up on entry into Earth’s atmosphere. But most metals will turn into a molten puddle under such intense heat. Unfortunately, the few that can withstand such temperatures are heavy and inefficient for fuel management.
On the other hand, advanced ceramics are a breakthrough in aerospace travel having all the right properties. The ceramic’s high melting point means it can withstand temperatures that’ll turn most metals into soup. Plus, its lightweight structure and durability are perfect for aircraft design.
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While not the most popular option, high-temperature ceramics have more potential than they get credit for. Beyond their ability to absorb and dissipate heat, they also maintain structural integrity under stress, giving them an edge in applicability beyond most composite metals.
But what are the potentials of ceramics in aerospace travel? How does it trump all other other materials?
Keep reading to see some applications of ceramic materials in aerospace technology.
Key Applications of Ceramics in Aerospace Technology
We can point to multiple uses of advanced ceramics in the aerospace industry thanks to their peculiar capabilities. For example, more aircraft manufacturers now use a ceramic coating on their new models. But beyond those, here are other popular use cases for ceramic materials.
Thermal Protection Systems
Again, high temp ceramic materials can easily withstand high temperatures, vibrations, and mechanical shock. In addition, they are lightweight, having the right strength-to-weight ratio to create functional components for aircraft.
These combined properties make these materials great for protecting aerospace crafts from the searing temperature during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
The ceramics form a heat shield, absorbing and dissipating the heat that would otherwise have caused significant damage to critical components within the craft.
That’s a key reason NASA covered its space shuttle’s body with silica-fibre tiles made from very pure quartz sand. It formed a protective layer that insulated the orbiter’s aluminium skin and structure, making it able to withstand temperatures of up to 2,300°F.
Engine Components
The lightweight nature of the advanced ceramics material makes it a perfect option for aerospace craft engineers designing lightweight, fuel-efficient engines.
Most conventional alloys suitable for engine manufacturing are heavy and they make the crafts consume more fuel. But, technical ceramics provide excellent alternatives in this regard.
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Moreover, the ceramic matrix composite’s (CMC) better temperature resistance allows engines to run at higher temperatures. This makes the material suitable for turbines and other engine components often exposed to high heat. Plus, its durability enables it to better withstand the corrosive effects of exhaust gases.
In addition, the energy efficiency of an aerospace craft that significantly incorporates ceramic components is a plus for sustainability goals. When functioning optimally, the engines consume less fuel and release less exhaust, thus reducing environmental pollution.
Other Applications
Beyond engine systems and thermal shields, engineers are also incorporating advanced ceramics in other aspects of aerospace craft design. This includes sensors, navigation systems, and satellite components. Ceramic materials are particularly suited to insulation use cases thanks to their poor conduction ability and higher resistance to radiation.
Additionally, piezoelectric ceramics like Lead zirconate titanate show remarkable functionality in sensor design. This advanced ceramic type converts mechanical stress into electrical signals making them useful in applications like force sensors and actuators.
Beyond sensory detection, piezoelectric ceramics are also useful as vibration dampeners due to their ability to convert mechanical energy in vibrations into electrical energy.
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The piezoelectric property of these ceramics results from their crystal structure having a “Built-in” dipole effect” from the misalignment of the positive and negative charges within the unit cells. Thanks to this property, the materials are excellent for detecting pressure and vibrations.
Conversely, traditional ceramics are also useful in sensor designs where durability is a primary requirement. Plus, their chemical inertness makes them useful for detecting gases and corrosion which can be dangerous anywhere, even in aerospace travel.
While these points indicate the capabilities of ceramic components in aerospace engineering, this is only the beginning. Further advancements in technology may see the development of lighter, more heat-resistant ceramics with improved performance and safety.
What’s Next for Ceramics in Aerospace?
The future looks promising for ceramics applications in the aerospace industry and aircraft designs. The material is fast gaining popularity for its functionality and versatility.
Plus, emerging innovations such as ceramic matrix composites are expanding the material’s functionality range. Researchers are also making considerable progress in enhancing the material’s properties, such as increasing its strength and adaptability for 3D printing.
Moreover, with continuous improvements in advanced ceramics development, engineers may successfully design it from more readily available materials. This will make it relatively cheaper to obtain than metal composites. In essence, ceramic composites can become more affordable alternatives for aerospace companies.
Final Thoughts
For a long time, ceramics have quietly contributed to some of the major feats in aerospace engineering. The high melting point of ceramic materials makes them remarkable thermal protection components. Plus their lightweight structure and heat-resistant properties are perfect for aerospace engine parts.
But beyond these current use cases, the applications of ceramic materials are vast and continually growing, increasing their importance in the aerospace industry. Going forward, these remarkable materials will receive the credits they deserve as more people recognize their versatility.