This field addresses the critical requirements for integrated thermal protection and multifunctional structures in extreme aerospace environments. By holistically integrating system-level demands, material/structural design, advanced manufacturing, and performance evaluation, the team has advanced the development of lightweight thermal protection system (TPS) that enables to synergistically combine thermal insulation, load-bearing capacity, and multifunctionality. This integrated technological foundation provides essential support for next-generation hypersonic vehicles and advanced aero-engines.

n  High-temperature heat protection material system

The research is mainly focused on the needs of heat protection and insulation for high-speed vehicles, and developing high-temperature ceramic-based heat protection composites and structures, as well as improving coating systems. It will provide support for the next generation of high-speed vehicles and advanced aero-engines.

Fig.1 Thermal protection material and structures

n  Temperature thermal protection structures and  lightweighting

This research is mainly focused on the demand of aerospace vehicles for lightweighting of high-temperature-resistant components, and developing dot matrix structure, corrugated plate structure and honeycomb structure based on ceramic matrix composites, the design method, preparation process and performance test of lightweight structure. 

Fig. 2 High-temperature-resistant components

n  Integrated design and realization of high temperature structure and function

It has put an emphasis on high-temperature wave-transparent, wave-absorbing and infrared stealth and other needs, the development of high-temperature wave-transparent, wave-absorbing and infrared stealth ceramic matrix composite material systems and structures

Fig. 3 High-temperature wave materials and structure

n  Characterization and evaluation of high temperature thermal protection system performance

The main research purpose is to develop the experimental characterization of high-temperature ablative and non-ablative thermal protection systems, simulation prediction of ablative performance, as well as the characterization and evaluation of the service performance of high-temperature components in the aero-engine environment, and establish a life prediction model.

Fig. 4 High temperature thermal protection system