Space Shuttle Ceramics

 Research Questions:

• What are ceramics? Cite examples of ceramic materials.
• How is clay turned into a ceramic?
• What are some very useful properties of ceramics?
• How are some of the useful properties applied for useful purposes?
• What is ceramic engineering?
• How has NASA utilized the useful properties of ceramics in the Shuttle Space Program?
• How has Toyota attempted to use ceramic engineering in its manufacture of cars?

On the information level, the student will become acquainted with the field of semiconductors and ceramic engineering. Clay and other earth materials that are shaped and fired at high temperatures form materials which we call ceramics. For examples of ceramics we can list fine china, porcelain statues and earthenware flower pots. Due to the specific properties of these materials such as being good insulators, being resistant to water and being able to withstand high temperatures, many uses have been developed resulting in the field of ceramic engineering. Specifically, being heat resistant, ceramics can be used for many tasks that materials like metal and polymers are not suitable for.

Today ceramic materials are used in mining, aerospace, and medicine, food and chemical industries. The space shuttle uses high tech ceramic materials to withstand extreme temperature changes that are caused by friction when the space shuttle re-enters our atmosphere. At the present time ceramic tiles are used and research continues on the construction of a ceramic engine. We recognize that given our limited use of fossil fuel, we would be wise to replace many of the metal components of cars with ceramic parts resulting in increased fuel efficiency. In brief, many students become intrigued with ceramic engineering and may consider this as a future career choice.

The specific experiment provided here is safe. However, wear your safety goggles, apron and gloves. The student uses the scientific method and prepares a report demonstrating the use of said method. In this case, photos may be taken of the process. They are interesting and serve as a dramatic display.

Materials:

• Large ceramic horseshoe magnet
• Large iron horseshoe magnet of the same size as the ceramic magnet
• Iron filings
• Box of large paper clips
• Camera

The ceramic magnet can be purchased from Radio Shack or xUmp Science Supplies.

Experimental Procedure:

1. Gather all the materials that you will need for this experiment. These include 1 large ceramic horseshoe magnet, an iron horseshoe magnet of the same size, iron filings, a box of large paper clips and a camera.
2. Copy the Data Chart provided below so that you can readily record your data. Have your camera ready to take photos of the results using each magnet with the iron filings and the large paper clips.
3. Put on your safety goggles, apron and gloves. Start by taking your regular iron magnet and dipping it into the iron filings. Take a photo of the result. On your data chart record a description of what you observed.
4. Now remove the filings and follow step 3 but this time use the ceramic magnet. Take a photo and record your observations in your chart.
5. This time use your iron magnet and see how many large paper clips you can pick up. Take a photo and record your observations in your chart.
6. Repeat step 5 using the ceramic magnet. Take a photo and record observations in chart.
7. Clean up the filings and clips. Keep your hands away from your face and eyes. The iron filings travel easily.
8. Write up your conclusions and complete your report. Make certain to include all of the responses to the research questions. Do not forget your bibliography.

Data Chart

Terms/Concepts:

• Ceramics
• Glass ceramics
• Semiconductor
• Superconductor

References:

• DiSpezio, M., Skoog G., Science Insights , Scott Foresman –Addson Wesley , Menlo Park, Ca. 1999
• http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/superconductors-the-floating-magnet