Broadband, High-Temperature Stable Reflector for Aerospace Thermal Radiation Protection

Abstract

A simple and thermally stable photonic heterostructure exhibiting high average reflectivity (⟨R⟩ ≈ 88.8%) across a broad wavelength range (920−1450 nm) is presented. The design combines a thin, highly reflective and broadband metallic substrate (Ta) with an optimized dielectric coating (10 layers) to create an enhanced reflector with improved optical and thermal properties compared to its constituents. The heterostructure exhibits temperature-reversible reflective properties up to 1000 °C. In order to take advantage of the high reflectivity and temperature stable properties of this coating, in a wide range of non-photonic composite materials, we have fabricated heterostructure platelets as additives. By impregnating these additives into other types of materials, their response can be photonically enhanced. Platelets of such a heterostructure have been introduced inside an organic matrix to increase its broadband reflection performance. The platelet-impregnated matrix displays an average reflectivity improvement from 5% to an average of 55% over a 1000 nm range, making it a suitable additive for next generation thermal protection systems (TPS).

Magnetic slip casting for dense and textured ceramics: A review of current achievements and issues

“…In addition, the optimization of chemical formulations and of their processes could generate ceramics with unique structural and functional properties, such as shape-memory and ductility [7,8], transparency [9], high capacity [10], biocompatibility [11], etc. Such properties make ceramic materials applicable in a large range of applications, from sensors [12] to actuators [13], batteries [14], implants [15], protective shields [16], reflectors [17], heat exchangers [18], etc.…”

Multichannel and Super-flexible SiZrOC Ultrafine Fibers for High Temperature Thermal Insulation

“…High thermal shock resistance was a vitally important feature for materials in many application areas, especially for aerospace applications [2,4]. The thermal shock tests were carried by heating the MSUF membranes via butane blowlamp for 30 s, and then immersed into liquid nitrogen (-196 ºC) for 30 s. We endured the thermal shock tests of the MSUF membranes at various (10~100) cycles, and their flexibility and tensile strength retention were investigated.…”

“…In recent years, materials with robust mechanical properties, excellent thermal stability and low thermal conductivity are highly demanded in aerospace and deep space exploration fields, for personal and aircrafts protection [1][2][3]. While the aircrafts or vehicles reentry atmosphere at high speed, the temperature of the leading edge of the wing and other parts will increase rapidly up to ~1000 ºC in a short time [1][2]. Thus, the thermal insulating materials applied to those aircrafts are always in service under extreme conditions, such as sharp temperature changes and long-period high temperature exposure [4,5].…”

Broadband, Temperature-Stable, Reflective Additives to Enhance Thermal Radiation Protection Systems

“…To evaluate its performance, doubled-sided, heterostructure platelets have been fabricated and impregnated in a composite matrix (resin). A reflectivity enhancement by a factor 11 was observed [6].…”