Silicon carbide ceramics in different grades are already widely used in avionics and space. Silicon nitride is new for this application. Although it shows some properties like mechanical strength and fracture toughness as well as a very low CTE - much lower than for silicon carbide grades it has potential, to outperform some of the up to date used materials One mayor constraint is - up to now - however the limited size of components, which should be typically less than 1,5 m in length and less than 700 mm in diameter. And additionally, it was never validated and used for space instruments before. But finally, one grade of silicon nitride is now validated and qualified for the truss structure of a satellite telescope and so other components for flight instruments can be produced in the future. The truss components have passed the required proof tests and their integration into the satellite is in progress. On the other side, avionic reconnaissance cameras with housing structures - made of a second grade of sil icon nitride - are meanwhile successfully flying on jet airplanes since about at least 5 years now without failure. Components of silicon nitride and silicon carbide according to customers design are available at FCT. Ingenieurkeramik GmbH For further information, please contact FCT.
Silicon nitride ceramics for structural components in avionics and space
CFI Ceramic Forum International. (Berichte der Deutschen Keramischen Gesellschaft) ; 89 , 11/12 ; E17-E20
2012
4 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 3 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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