Recent Development Status of Functionally Gradient Materials

Abstract

Recently, spaceplanes such as "Orient Express" projected by the United States are attracting attention as new space transportation media. In Japan also, the study for developing spaceplanes is recognized as one of the most influential programs among the various research and development projects.
In the development of the spaceplane, it is most crucial to develop super heat-resistant materials because of the nature of the spaceplane. In 1987, the Science and Technology Agency (STA) organized a project team in order to develop super heat-resistant materials called "Functionally Gradient Materials (FGM)" under the special coordination funds for promoting science and technology. The FGM is quite a new material which can be obtained by continuous and proper control of micro-elements in conformance with the use environment, and which will be able to relax the thermal stress under high heat load.
This thesis will show the outline of this project as well as the latest technological achievements which have been made by several research insitutes in the area of the development of the Functionally Gradient Materials.