Engineering topics

DiFiore, Robert

Publications and source records attributed to DiFiore, Robert.

4 records

NASA NTRS2006

Tantalum-Based Ceramics for Refractory Composites

A family of tantalum-based ceramics has been invented as ingredients of high-temperature composite insulating tiles. These materials are suitable for coating and/or permeating the outer layers of rigid porous (foam-like or fibrous) ceramic substrates to (1) render the resulting composite ceramic tiles impervious to hot gases and (2) enable the tiles to survive high heat fluxes at temperatures that can exceed 3,000 F ( 1,600 C).

Stewart, David A.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Microstructural Investigation of High Emittance Glass Coatings on Fibrous Ceramic Insulation

This viewgraph presentation provides an overview of the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) and the various products incorporated in the TPS. There are three tile systems which include pure silica, fibrous refractory composite insulation (FRCI), and alumina enhanced thermal barrier (AETB). Coating systems include reaction cured glass (RCG) and toughened uni-piece insulation (TUFI). The microstructures of these systems are explored as are the manufacturing processes associated with each. Microstructural investigation using methods such as automated X-ray spectral image analysis (AXSIA) is a crucial part of understanding the mechanical nature of these systems.

Ellerby, Don↗

NASA NTRS2001

Flight Performance of a Functionally Gradient Material, TUFI, on Shuttle Orbiter

TUFI, Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation, a functionally gradient material has been successfully flying on the Shuttle Orbiters in several locations on two insulation substrates over the past few years. TUFI is composed of insulation and a gradated surface treatment. The locations it has flown include the base heat shield where damage had been observed after every flight before its application. It was also applied to the to of the body flap, the bottom of the body flap and around selected windows and doors where damage had been observed in the past. A description of the types of processing used including substrates will be presented and its overall performance will be reviewed.

Leiser, Daniel B.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Flight Performance of a Functionally Gradient Material, TUFI, on Shuttle Orbiter

TUFI (Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation), a functionally gradient material has been successfully flying on the Shuttle Orbiters in several locations on two insulation substrates over the past few years. TUFI is composed of insulation and a gradated surface treatment. The locations it has flown include the base heat shield where damage had been observed after every flight before its application. It was also applied to the body flap, the bottom of the body flap and around selected windows and doors where damage had been observed in the past. A description of the types of processing used including substrates will be presented and its overall performance will be reviewed.

Leister, Daniel B.↗