Ceramic Matrix Composites
The ever increasing requirements imposed on aerospace and industrial applications leads to a demand for
materials having outstanding properties, including increase lifetime, reliability
and robustness.
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) are promising
candidates and will play a key role for the future generations of
space engines, thermal protection systems as well as extremely
heat loaded industrial applications. Consequently, EADS Astrium have embarked on an extensive development programme to fully exploit the numerous applications of Ceramic Matrix Composites. These include:
Engine Construction
 |
Realisation of a high thrust-to-weight-ratios |
|
Reduction of production costs for commercial
launcher propulsion (e.g. high performing
satellites)
|
|
Increase in reliability and robustness of rocket
engines |
Space Vehicles
|
Increase of lifetime, reliability and robustness
of future generation launcher vehicle |
|
Proof of reusability and reliability of advanced
thermal protection systems (TPS) under real
condition |
Industrial Application / Energy Technology
|
Increase of lifetime, efficiency and damage
tolerance (turbines / disc brakes) |
|
Qualification and availability of suitable
materials for fusion technology (e.g. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) |
CORE COMPETENCES
Fibre Reinforced Ceramics (CMC)
Participation in
technology development programmes
2D / 3D
structures
Combination of
textile plating with Liquid Silicon Infiltration
