Journal of Inorganic Materials ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (3): 225-244.DOI: 10.15541/jim20240401

• REVIEW •     Next Articles

Advanced Ceramic Materials in Helicopter Special Structures: Research Progress and Application Prospect

CHEN Guangchang1(), DUAN Xiaoming2, ZHU Jinrong1, GONG Qing1, CAI Delong3, LI Yuhang4, YANG Donglei1, CHEN Biao1, LI Xinmin1, DENG Xudong1, YU Jin1, LIU Boya1, HE Peigang2, JIA Dechang2(), ZHOU Yu2,5   

  1. 1. China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, Jingdezhen 333001, China
    2. Institute for Advanced Ceramics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
    3. College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150006, China
    4. School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
    5. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
  • Received:2024-09-05 Revised:2024-11-14 Published:2025-03-20 Online:2025-03-12
  • Contact: JIA Dechang, professor. E-mail: dcjia@hit.edu.cn
  • About author:CHEN Guangchang (1983-), male, PhD, professor. E-mail: chengc004@avic.com

Abstract:

To further expand the application of advanced ceramic materials in helicopters, this paper reviews their application in helicopter structures both domestically and internationally. It emphasizes the technical maturity and development trends of various ceramic materials in helicopter specific structural applications, such as energy impact protection parts, energy conversion components, and corrosion protection areas. By comparing the gaps between domestic and international use of advanced ceramic materials in helicopter specific structures, the paper provides suggestions for the future development. Recommendations include the use of reaction-sintered contoured integrated opaque armor ceramics and polycrystalline transparent armor ceramics for the high-speed dynamic impact energy protection parts, cermet composite coatings compatible with epoxy resin composite substrates for the low-energy impact protection parts, and hybrid ceramic matrix composite/polymer matrix composite (HCMC-PMC) materials for the thermal shock protection parts. Additionally, multifunctional composite materials, such as high-performance miniature piezoelectric ceramic thin film functional devices and flexible hybrid electronic structures based on micro-piezoelectric ceramic materials, should be developed for the mechanical and electrical energy conversion components. Microwave-absorbing ceramic composites derived from polymer-derived ceramics that are compatible with epoxy resin composite substrates are recommended for the electromagnetic and thermal energy conversion components. Furthermore, high-performance abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant Sol-Gel coatings are suggested for the corrosion protection areas. It is also essential to establish a high-speed dynamic energy impact protection mechanism for helicopters, optimize the ballistic performance of protective materials, and develop advanced ceramic materials digital testing and verification technologies, represented by multi-functional composite materials for helicopter specific structures. These efforts will greatly shorten the application cycle of advanced ceramic materials and reduce the verification cost.

Key words: helicopter, specific structure, advanced ceramic, micro-piezoelectric ceramic, multifunctional composite material, digital testing and verification technology, review

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