{"id":96325,"date":"2025-09-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/?p=96325"},"modified":"2025-12-19T09:18:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T08:18:41","slug":"how-do-metal-matrix-reinforced-composites-enable-the-reusability-of-space-components","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wiki\/how-do-metal-matrix-reinforced-composites-enable-the-reusability-of-space-components\/","title":{"rendered":"How do metal matrix reinforced composites enable the reusability of space components?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"96325\" class=\"elementor elementor-96325 elementor-96292\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db0c634 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"db0c634\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-590d611 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"590d611\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d6e18d0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d6e18d0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f2b832 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1f2b832\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-978922b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"978922b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26731b5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"26731b5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5bdb71d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5bdb71d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-182e06c elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"182e06c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__182e06c\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__182e06c\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__182e06c\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03816c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"03816c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa8905c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fa8905c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Introduction: Re-entry as an extreme thermal scenario<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4655937 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4655937\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The return of a spacecraft to the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere is one of the most thermally demanding phases of a mission. During atmospheric re-entry, temperatures of over 1500\u00b0C occur on the outside of the vehicle.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00b0C, caused by shock waves, frictional heat and plasma effects in the high atmosphere. At the same time, strong mechanical stresses act on the structure. The thermal protection shield (thermal protection system, TPS) has the task of protecting the spacecraft and its internal components from these extreme conditions &#8211; ideally multiple times. The requirement for reusability is increasingly the focus of current space programs, both from government agencies such as NASA and ESA as well as private sponsors. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While earlier systems relied on ablative or ceramic materials, a class of materials is increasingly coming into focus that combines the following two properties: high mechanical strength and good thermal conductivity &#8211; metal matrix reinforced composites, or MMCs for short. These materials consist of a metallic matrix (e. g. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B. aluminum, titanium or nickel) with embedded ceramic particles or fibers (e. g.<\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B. SiC or Al\u2082O\u2083), which give the material specifically desired properties. Their potential lies in particular in the structural integration of thermal protection functions, which can significantly reduce weight, complexity and costs (Oluseyi et al., 2021). <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, the decision as to whether such a material can withstand the extreme demands of re-entry is not based solely on theoretical model assumptions or classic material tests. The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Precise knowledge of the thermophysical properties<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> under realistic conditions is crucial &#8211; in particular the thermal diffusivity, conductivity and heat capacity over a wide temperature range. This is where a method comes into play that has established itself in material characterization for high-temperature applications: The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/thermal-conductivity\/lfa-laser-flash-analyzer\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Laser Flash Analysis (LFA) <\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has proven itself as a precise, non-contact method for measuring thermal diffusivity and forms the basis for determining the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/thermal-conductivity\/thb-l56\/\">thermal conductivity<\/a><\/strong> of complex materials such as MMCs. The method is particularly useful for anisotropic or porous samples &#8211; such as those found in real TPS configurations. It enables a meaningful evaluation of the thermal conductivity in the axial and radial direction and can be used over large temperature ranges, which is essential for the evaluation of TPS materials. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This article therefore examines how MMCs for thermal protection systems can be evaluated using laser flash analysis. Current research work is used, including the NASA development of reusable metallic TPS concepts (NASA LaRC, 2004) and recent materials science studies on the high-temperature characterization of MMCs (Oluseyi et al., 2021). The focus is not only on the material properties themselves, but also on the metrological requirements and the interpretation of the LFA data in the context of real application scenarios. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The aim is to provide a well-founded insight into the thermophysical evaluation of metallic composite materials for space applications and to demonstrate the contribution of modern analytical methods to the development of reusable heat shields.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e64beeb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e64beeb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Materials technology basis: metal matrix composites as next-generation TPS materials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fa30f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fa30f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The selection of suitable materials is a key criterion for thermal protection systems (TPS) that need to be reusable and at the same time remain reliable under extreme conditions. In the aerospace industry, a tension between thermal insulation effect, mechanical integrity and mass saving has dominated for decades. In this respect, metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer an attractive alternative to traditional TPS materials such as ceramics or ablative polymer composites.  <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">MMCs consist of a metallic matrix &#8211; often aluminum, titanium or nickel &#8211; into which a reinforcing phase of ceramic particles (e.g.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e.g. silicon carbide, aluminum oxide) or short fibers. The targeted combination of both phases allows properties such as thermal conductivity, oxidation stability, strength at high temperatures and resistance to thermal shocks to be optimized at system level (Oluseyi et al., 2021). <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A key argument for the use of MMCs in TPS components is the possibility of structurally integrating thermal functions. While conventional TPS layers often have to be applied additionally to a load-bearing structure &#8211; for example as tiles or panels &#8211; MMCs can serve as a load-bearing, heat-conducting and thermally damping system at the same time. This not only reduces the overall weight, but also increases reusability by reducing the tendency to delamination or cracking after repeated thermal cycling.  <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In practice, however, the properties of MMCs are highly dependent on the respective material system, the manufacturing route and the microstructure. Aluminium-SiC composites, for example, are characterized by high <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/thermal-conductivity\/thb-l56\/\">thermal conductivity<\/a> and low density, but have limited oxidation stability above 600 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00b0C. Titanium-based MMCs, on the other hand, offer excellent high-temperature stability up to over 1000 \u00b0C. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00b0C, but present greater challenges in terms of processing and fiber-matrix bonding.<\/span><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An in-depth understanding of the thermophysical properties &#8211; in particular the temperature-dependent thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity &#8211; is therefore essential in order to qualify these materials specifically for TPS applications.  <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another feature of modern MMCs is their increasing manufacturability through additive manufacturing, in particular through processes such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or directed energy deposition (DED). These enable targeted tuning of the local microstructure and the integration of graduated material transitions that can better compensate for thermomechanical stresses. In combination with methods such as laser flash analysis, these material systems can not only be developed, but also precisely tested and evaluated.  <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The next section therefore presents the metrological methodology of laser flash analysis (LFA) &#8211; and explains how it can be used to precisely determine the decisive thermophysical characteristics of MMCs for the high-temperature range.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-533f6be elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"533f6be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f6be0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9f6be0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Verbundwerkstoffe-2-1024x576.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-96307\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Verbundwerkstoffe-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Verbundwerkstoffe-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Verbundwerkstoffe-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Verbundwerkstoffe-2.png 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d38fed elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6d38fed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Measurement technology: Laser flash analysis as the key to thermal characterization of MMCs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a1a94c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a1a94c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The thermal performance of a material under high-temperature conditions depends largely on three parameters: the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wiki\/what-does-thermal-conductivity-mean\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thermal conductivity (<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u03bb<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the  <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/properties\/thermal-diffusivity\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thermal diffusivity (<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u03b1<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><\/b><\/a> <span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/properties\/specific-heat-capacity\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">specific heat capacity (cp)<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. For metal matrix reinforced composites (MMCs) that are used at temperatures above 1000<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00b0C are to function as thermal protection systems (TPS), a precise and material-specific determination of these properties is essential. Laser flash analysis (LFA) has established itself as the standard method for determining thermal diffusivity and is particularly suitable for high-temperature applications. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The LFA is based on a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">transient, non-contact measuring principle<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A flat sample plate is bombarded on its reverse side with a short, high-energy laser pulse. The resulting temperature increase on the opposite side is measured with an infrared sensor. The thermal diffusivity can be determined from the time course of this temperature response.    <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u03b1<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">  directly. The thermal conductivity   <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u03bb<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> results from the relationship:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a294b47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a294b47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3c021e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e3c021e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\\(<br>\\lambda = \\alpha \\cdot \\rho \\cdot c_p<br>\\quad \\text{mit} \\quad<br>\\begin{cases}<br>\\lambda : \\text{thermal conductivity (W\/m-K)} \\\\<br>\\alpha : \\text{thermal diffusivity (m$^2$\/s)} \\\\<br>\\rho : \\text{density (kg\/m$^3$)} \\\\<br>c_p : \\text{Specific heat capacity (J\/kg-K)}<br>\\end{cases}<br>\\)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d74535b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d74535b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07f788c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"07f788c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whereby <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u03c1<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">  is the density and cp is the specific heat capacity of the material. These two values can usually be determined separately or used from literature values or supplementary measurement methods such as DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A key advantage of the LFA is that the method can also be used for<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> complex, inhomogeneous or anisotropic materials. <\/span><\/b> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">as is typically the case with MMCs. The targeted selection of sample thickness, laser energy and detection time allows both materials with high and very low thermal conductivity to be examined. This is particularly relevant for TPS components with a layered structure or directional microstructure, where heat propagation can be highly directional. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition, LFA measurements can be carried out in a wide temperature range &#8211; temperatures of up to 2800 \u00b0C are possible, depending on the sample material and the sensor technology. This enables a continuous analysis of the temperature behavior of TPS materials during different phases of a re-entry, from heating by friction to cooling in the final flight phase. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition to the classic individual measurement, the LFA can also be used to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">time- and temperature-dependent curves<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cyclic loads and targeted ageing tests. This is particularly valuable in the context of the reusability of space components: thermal damage such as micro-cracking, delamination or oxidation attacks often manifest themselves in measurable changes in thermal diffusivity &#8211; long before mechanical tests detect failures. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the practical application of TPS developments, LFA is therefore not only used for material evaluation, but increasingly also for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">validation of numerical models<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (z.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FEM or CFD), for process control during production (e. g.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e.g. after additive manufacturing) and for the series release of highly stressed components.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89d5dd0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"89d5dd0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Case study: NASA-X-33 and the development of metallic TPS with MMCs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25cfeb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"25cfeb5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As part of the development of reusable space systems, at the end of the 1990s NASA launched the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">X-33 technology demonstrator<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">  new standards. The unmanned test vehicle was part of the larger   <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programs<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">  and was intended to test technologies that would enable economical, fully reusable access to space. One of the biggest challenges in this project was the development of a robust, lightweight and reusable spacecraft.   <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thermal protection system (TPS)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> &#8211; and here the focus was on <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the focus was on metallic concepts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">which differed significantly from earlier ablative systems (NASA LaRC, 2004).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The so-called <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Metallic Thermal Protection System (METTPS)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> consisted of multi-layer sandwich structures with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oxidation-resistant metallic cover layers<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">typically made of Inconel or titanium alloys, on a thermally insulating core (e. g.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e.g. a honeycomb structure made of stainless steel or Ti). Such systems offer several advantages: they can be structurally integrated, have a high mechanical strength, are impact-resistant and &#8211; unlike many ceramic solutions &#8211; can be repaired segment by segment if damaged. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, the performance of these systems depends largely on the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on the thermophysical properties of the materials used.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">  from. Precise knowledge of the   <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is necessary to correctly model temperature distributions within the TPS, predict the thermomechanical behavior and avoid local hot spots. <\/span> <span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The program ultimately identified several MMC-based variants with sufficiently high thermal endurance, low delamination tendency and good reusability. These systems combined the advantages of structure-supporting metals with controlled thermal conduction, making them ideal for repeated use in suborbital or orbital spacecraft. Later concepts &#8211; such as the TPS system of the Dream Chaser or metallic surface cladding for heat shields of the Starship project &#8211; are also based on this material and testing philosophy.  <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d75114 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0d75114\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2050a01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2050a01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion and outlook: LFA as the key to the development of reusable space materials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bae8837 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bae8837\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The development of reusable thermal protection systems (TPS) is a key challenge in modern space technology. The focus here is on materials that have both high thermomechanical load-bearing capacity and structural integrability &#8211; properties that metal matrix reinforced composites (MMCs) fulfill to a particularly high degree. Their hybrid structure of metallic matrix and ceramic reinforcement allows the targeted coordination of thermal conductivity, strength and temperature resistance over a wide range. However, the selection of suitable MMC systems depends crucially on the reliable characterization of their thermophysical properties &#8211; especially under realistic high-temperature conditions.   <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/thermal-conductivity\/lfa-l52\/\">Laser flash analysis (LFA)<\/a> has established itself as an indispensable method in this context. It not only allows the precise measurement of thermal diffusivity over large temperature ranges, but also offers the possibility of analyzing anisotropic or complex structured materials. The ability of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/thermal-conductivity\/lfa-l52\/\">LFA<\/a> to detect direction-dependent thermal conductivity behavior, especially in modern, graduated or additively manufactured MMCs, is highly relevant.    <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The combination of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">precise thermal analysis and numerical simulation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">LFA measurement values can be transferred directly into finite element models to predict temperature fields, thermal stresses and structural behavior under real operating conditions. In addition, the method is also suitable for quality monitoring and ageing analysis of reusable TPS components &#8211; an aspect that is gaining in importance in view of the increasing cyclical use of space systems such as Starship, Dream Chaser or Space Rider. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Future developments could further expand the role of the LFA. This opens up prospects for the   <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inline characterization<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">  additively manufactured MMCs in industrial processes, for example through miniaturized LFA systems with optical pulse generation and IR detection in the installation space. Coupling with   <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/tga-thermogravimetry\/\">Thermogravimetry (TGA)<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/dilatometer\/\">dilatometer (DIL)<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/instruments\/differential-scanning-calorimeter-dsc\/\">differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)<\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for the simultaneous determination of cp and density values promises greater accuracy in the derivation of thermal conductivity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the context of digital material development &#8211; for example through the use of digital twins or AI-supported material models &#8211; LFA data represents an essential basis for the data-based selection and optimization of future TPS materials. The method therefore not only contributes to the experimental validation of existing designs, but also enables the targeted development of new material concepts in virtual space. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The combination of innovative materials such as MMCs, precise characterization by LFA and intelligent simulation design thus promises sustainable progress in the development of reusable space systems &#8211; with direct benefits for the performance, costs and safety of future missions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fe9ced elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"9fe9ced\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-76c2765 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"76c2765\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">List of sources<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oluseyi P. Oladijo et al.<\/span><\/b> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">(2021).  <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HighTemperature Properties of Metal Matrix Composites<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. In: Encyclopedia of Materials: Composites. Elsevier. <\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/B978-0-12-819724-0.00096-3<\/span> <span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":true,\"134233118\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559740\":240}\"> <\/span><\/p><p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"44\" data-is-only-node=\"\">NASA Thermal Protection Materials Branch<\/strong>. (2023). <em data-start=\"54\" data-end=\"131\">Testing and fabrication of TPS materials: use of Laser Flash Analysis (LFA)<\/em>. NASA Website.   https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/thermal-protection-materials-branch-testing-and-fabrication\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\n <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The return of a spacecraft to the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere is one of the most thermally demanding phases of a mission. During atmospheric re-entry, temperatures of over 1500 \u00b0C occur on the outside of the vehicle, caused by shock waves, frictional heat and plasma effects in the high atmosphere.   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":96296,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-96325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wiki"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96325"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96325\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96296"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linseis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}