Deformation sensors will also be required. It has been demonstrated that piezoelectric materials, in the form of films or plates, can perform these functions. Piezoelectric fibers potentially could more easily be incorporated into complex structures and could have reliability advantages over brittle ceramics in plate form. Piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites also could have major benefits in detecting underwater acousting waves and minimizing reflected signals. It is highly likely that numerous other applications would emerge for this type of reinforcement. Reconfigurable aerodynamic surfaces is one possible example.

1. Korb, J., C. A. Morant, R. M. Calland, and C. S. Thatcher, "The Shuttle Orbitor Thermal Protection System," Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull., 60(11) pp. 1188-1193, 1981.

2. Sowman, H. G., and D. D. Johnson, "Ceramic Oxide Fibers," Ceram. Eng. Sci. Proc., 6(9-10) pp. 1221-1230, 1985.

3. Reagan, P., W. Cole, and F. Huffman, "CVD Silicon Carbide Components," Ceram. Eng. Sci. Proc., 8(7-8) pp. 958-969, 1987.

4. Cole, W. E., P. Reagan, C. I. Metcalfe, R. Wysk, and K. W. Jones, "Ceramic Composite Heat Exchanger," Ceram. Eng. Sci. Proc., 8(7-8) pp.968-975, 1987.

5. Copes, J. S. and R. G. Smith, "Microstructural Characterization of Thermally-Aged Siconex Oxide Fiber/SiC Composite Material," Ceram. Eng. Sci. Proc., 8(7-8) p. 976, 1987.

6. Dagani, R., "Ceramic Composites Emerging as Advanced Structural Materials," Chem. & Eng. News, Feb. 1, pp. 7-12 1988.

7. Schmidt, K. A. and C. Zweben, "Lightweight, Low-Thermal-Expansion Heal Sink," SAMPE 3rd International Electronic Materials Conference, Los Angeles, Calif., June 20-22, 1989.

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9. Yamura, T., et al., 3. Mater. Sci. 23, 1988 p. 2589 and UBE Industries Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.

Front Matter (R1-R16)

Executive Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations (1-8)

1 High-Performance Synthetic Fibers for Composites (9-20)

2 High-Performance Fiber Materials: Applications, Needs, and Opportunities (21-48)

3 Fiber-Forming Processes: Current and Potential Methods (49-102)

4 Important Issues in Fiber Science/Technology (103-108)

5 Important Policy Issues (109-118)

Glossary of Terms (119-126)

Appendix (127-129)