Thread: Reinforced Carbon-Carbon

Hey, I'm doing a presentation on Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) and I'm have a little difficulty researching it, the only thing I have left to do is explain this diagram:



What are the properties of each layer than make it good for space shuttle heat shielding? Most importantly, what is a 2-dimensional layer of carbon/carbon, I have heard it's carbon crystal with carbon fibers (polymers), but i'm having difficulty understanding how something such as this would come to exist, and then why it' has to be used in such a fashion. Any information would be greatly valued, and possible even your source, any books on this would be even better, thanks! :P

I think what they mean by "two dimensional layup" is that the material is basically flat with fibers that go in two directions. It could be laid over the curved surface of a 3-dimensional object.

Thanks