• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.504-513
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• 1997

Ideal candidates for the thermal-protection system of advanced spacecraft like Space Shuttle, are FRCI(Fibrous Refractory Composite Insulation) and AETB(Alumina-Enhanced Thermal Barrier). In the present work, we carried out the mathematical modeling and computer simulation of the thermal response of FRCI to heat, pulse, comparing with that of silica. Also, we calculated the conductivity of FRCI as various variables at the temperature range of 100~2000 K.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.477-484
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• 2022

Thermal protection systems (TPS) are a group of materials that are indispensable for protecting spacecraft from the aerodynamic heating occurring during entry into an atmosphere. Among candidate materials for TPS, ceramic insulation materials are usually considered for reusable TPS. In this study, ceramic insulation materials, such as alumina enhanced thermal barrier (AETB), are fabricated via typical ceramic processing from ceramic fiber and additives. Mixtures of silica and alumina fibers are used as raw materials, with the addition of B4C to bind fibers together. Reaction-cured glass is also added on top of AETB to induce water-proof functionality or high emissivity. Some issues, such as the elimination of clumps in the AETB, and processing difficulties in the production of reusable surface insulation are reported as well.