Research Field

CMC Technology and Structures

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Material analysis using a scanning electron microscope
Analysing the microstructure or the fracture cross-section provides information about material properties and damage mechanisms.
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Colleague in front of our Furnaces for High-Temperature Processes
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From the development of materials through to the development of full-scale structural components

In the design and construction of CMC structures (ceramic matrix composite), the Institute of Structures and Design not only sets the standard in the area of materials development but also applies this expertise to the development of components made of ceramic matrix composites. Using the Liquid Silicon Infiltration process (LSI) developed at DLR, it is possible to produce ceramic matrix composites on-site on an industrial scale quickly and economically. The Institute has become a leading player internationally in this field thanks to this process. This is reflected by the numerous components developed in cooperation with industry that have now been turned into marketable products. With this technology, the Institute is represented in all relevant space projects in Germany and across Europe, and is also involved with series-production components used in aviation and the transport sector.

​CMC Engineering

The Institute's secret to success lies above all in the cooperation between the various development fields. The complete engineering chain and the associated expertise with it guarantee the successful implementation of even the most ambitious CMC components.

This development area covers:

  • Materials development
  • Process development
  • Construction method development
  • Design and dimensioning
  • Production of prototype components in their original size
  • Quality assurance and component qualification

Alongside the team's specialist expertise, the infrastructure available to them also makes a difference. Tailored CAD and FEA systems for evaluating the structures in real applications, as well as furnaces of various different sizes and temperature ranges for pyrolysis and siliconisation processes, make it possible to develop components using optimised processes. The latest quality assurance testing equipment, such as CT and air ultrasonic systems, as well as scanning electron microscopes with integrated energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, guarantee that the development projects are carried out in accordance with the highest technological standards.

Further information

Department Ceramic Composites and Structures

In the department „ceramic composite structures“ fibre reinforced ceramic materials as well as lightweight CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) structures for extreme applications have been developed since the late 1980`s. Thereby the complete process chain, including material and process development, design, layout and dimensioning and the manufacture of structural parts in original geometry, is available.

Contact

Dr. Joél Schukraft

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Structures and Design
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart