2,200
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
3,990°F
60.0
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
6.09
KG/M³
DENSITY
5-15 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
30.5 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
3
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
UHTC Composites is a refractory ceramic thermal protection system by Various (NASA, DARPA research programs). Rated to 2,200°C. Status: Development.
ABOUT UHTC COMPOSITES
Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic composites are a class of materials capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 2000°C, based on zirconium diboride (ZrB2) and hafnium diboride (HfB2). They are being developed for sharp leading edges on hypersonic vehicles where blunt-body designs are aerodynamically unacceptable. UHTC composites resist oxidation at extreme temperatures.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeRefractory Ceramic
Max Temperature2,200°C (3,990°F)
Thermal Conductivity60.0 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density6.09 kg/m³
Thickness5-15 mm
Mass per Area30.5 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
ZrB2 or HfB2 matrix with SiC reinforcement fibers/particles
VEHICLES USING UHTC COMPOSITES
SHARP-B2 test vehicle
Hypersonic glide vehicles (development)
Next-gen reentry vehicles
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionSHARP-B2 (flight test)
First FlightSeptember 15, 1997
ManufacturerVarious (NASA, DARPA research programs)
StatusDevelopment
