BTÜ Launches Key Project on Spacecraft

Important Project from BTÜ for Spacecraft A project titled "Development of Resin Matrix Composite Ablative Materials for Use as Thermal Protection Systems in Spacecraft," led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Bursa Technical University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, will receive support under the Career Development Program. Through the project developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü, resin matrix composite structures with high strength and heat shield capabilities will be produced for spacecraft. In statements regarding the project's eligibility for support under the Career Development Program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü provided details about the project. Ünlü conveyed that the project will ensure safe flight of spacecraft.

BTÜ Project Will Produce High Thermal-Resistant Composites for Spacecraft

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü from the Department of Chemical Engineering at BTÜ's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences developed a project titled "Development of Resin Matrix Composite Ablative Materials for Use as Thermal Protection Systems in Spacecraft." The project has been selected for support under the Career Development Program. The project's principal investigator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü, stated: "Atmospheric entry of spacecraft is an indispensable part of space travel and exploration. During spacecraft atmospheric re-entry flight, vehicles are exposed to severe aerodynamic heating due to friction with the atmosphere. For this reason, atmospheric re-entry is one of the most challenging phases of a space mission due to extreme temperature, pressure and mechanical load conditions. Friction between the spacecraft and atmosphere causes kinetic energy to convert into heat. In this case, the heat flux is very high, and the spacecraft loses a significant portion of its original dimensions and shape following atmospheric entry. The use of ablative thermal shields is important to protect the structure of the vehicle. Therefore, thermal protection systems are necessary to ensure safe flight of spacecraft."

Can Withstand Temperatures of 2500 Degrees Celsius and Above

Ünlü noted that they expect the produced material to demonstrate very high thermal resistance. Ünlü stated: "This will provide a structure resistant to thermal shock faced by spacecraft during atmospheric entry. We are targeting materials to maintain structural integrity under the dual effect of flame and gas flow at temperatures of 2500°C and above." Emphasizing that this project will make important contributions to domestic and national production in line with Turkey's vision, strategy and objectives in space policy, Ünlü said: "As mentioned in the national space program, space programs are quite costly for countries. However, the gains obtained, power and international reputation far exceed this cost. With the composite structure to be produced within the scope of the project, we believe that our country's position in global competition in the aviation and space fields will be strengthened. At the same time, by reducing external dependence, it will make significant contributions to the national economy and increase competitive strength in the international arena."

Will Open Doors for Training Many Interdisciplinary Students and Researchers

Ünlü also stated that with the project's success, new thermal composite systems can be designed using different materials. Ünlü noted that the project has the potential to bring together many disciplines including Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and will open doors for training many interdisciplinary students and researchers through the generation of new projects. Noting that if the project is successfully completed, new thermal composite systems can be designed using different materials, graduate student Sefa Aras from the Chemical Engineering Department will participate as a scholarship holder on the project.