University of Queensland researchers are testing new materials that can withstand the extreme heat experienced by hypersonic aircraft to enable longer flight times. The tests use scramjet engines composed of composite materials that may be able to withstand heat produced at Mach 8. The $1.5M project is run by Australia's Defence Materials Tech Centre. "A scramjet powered vehicle could fly between London & Australia in 2h, so we're looking at materials that can survive hypersonic speeds for longer periods," said project leader Michael Smart. Smart said the research was particularly looking at new materials for leading edges, the parts of the wings that first contact air. At hypersonic speeds, air friction causes extreme heating of the leading edges on wings, fins & engine parts. Temps on the surface of an object travelling at Mach 5 can reach 1000 deg C.
