Heat shield technology is a critical component for both re-entry andhypersonic vehicles. The traditional manufacturing approach fordesigning heat shields consists of joining TPS tiles together with anadhesive that fills any gaps between them. This approach has significantchallenges, including the reduction in thermal-mechanical performance ascompared to that of acreage woven material. Nhung's Notions proposes toaddress this problem by modifying existing equipment to mechanicallyjoin these materials prior to infusion. In Phase I, we will determinethe material and pattern parameters required to use with equipment toprepare the joins while minimizing damage to the pristine woven materialwhile maintaining consistent thickness between pre- and post- joinedmaterial keeping pattern consistency throughout the process.
