One of the key technologies that concerns various engine manufacturers worldwide is the development of fibre-reinforced ceramics - CMCs (ceramic matrix composites). The advantages for the developers are obvious, low specific weight; high specific strength over a large temperature range, and their great damage tolerance compared with monolithic ceramics make this material class extremely interesting as a construction material. For the past few years EDAS has worked intensively on developing components for hypersonic engines and liquid rocket propulsion systems. In 2000, various hot-firing tests with subscale (1:5) and full-scale nozzle extensions were conducted. Also that year, a further decisive milestone was achieved in the sector of small thrusters, and long-term tests served to demonstrate the extraordinary stability of the C/SiC material.
