The AM3aC2A project was funded by ASI, Italian Space Agency, in collaboration with CIRA, Italian Aerospace Research Centre, CNR-ISSMC and Petroceramics S.p.A.

The main aim of the AM3aC2A project is the development of numerical tools for multi-scale modeling dedicated to space-specific materials and their integration with experimental protocols for the definition of a design methodology for reusable space thermostructures. The methods will be developed considering innovative composite materials based on refractory and ultrarefractory matrices such as SiC silicon carbide and ZrB2 zirconium diboride, for applications in extreme environments combining high temperatures, oxidative and erosive phenomena.
The project is led by DAER Politecnico di Milano, CNR-ISSMC and Petroceramics S.p.A. are in charge of materials development, while CIRA is in charge of development and Plasma Wind Tunnel (PWT) testing of the final demonstrators.

Goals

• Production and characterisation of non-linear mechanical and thermomechanical 'baseline' properties of CMC and UHTCMC materials.
• Advanced numerical modelling and definition of admissibles for a damage tolerant design approach.
• Production of structural demonstrators in CMC and UHTCMC for testing in the relevant post-test characterisation environment.