Method for molding planar billet of thermally insulative material into predetermined non-planar shape

摘要: A method and apparatus for molding thermal protection system (TPS) tiles spacecraft includes a bottom mold member defining surface shaped like of the spacecraft, e.g., nose cap or wing leading edge, sought to be thermally protected. flat billet TPS material is positioned over periphery surface, hollow weight element that has configured on billet. The then heated in accordance with predetermined heating regime, during process causes deform assume shape surface. If desired, TUFI coating impregnated into prior heating, sintered heating. After composite matrix material, graphite fiberglass cloth which epoxy polimide, bonded now-shaped tile support tile. Silicone can now-formed provide flexibility