Ceramic/ceramic shell tile thermal protection system and method thereof

摘要

The present invention discloses a ceramic reusable externally applied thermal protection system (TPS). The system functions by using the composite device created by combining an upper shell, thermal insulation and lower tile components shown in FIG. 2. The upper shell effectively separates its primary functions as a toughened outer-surface and load carrier. In a preferred embodiment, a structurally strong ceramic/ceramic upper shell is manufactured from ceramic cloth upon which additional ceramic material has been deposited and maintains the configuration of the upper shell. The lower tile is composed of lightweight ceramic normally acceptable in this application. One or more lightweight rigid or flexible insulation materials are used in the cavity created by combining the upper shell and lower tile. The assembly of the overall tile is facilitated by attachment means effective to withstand the temperature and stress conditions. These attachment means include a self-locking wedge and complementary surface, ceramic pins, augers and the like. The device is useful on the interior surface of a kiln or the like and is also attached to the exterior surface of an aerospace vehicle for thermal protection.