The present invention discloses a ceramic reusable ex¬ternally applied thermal protection system (TPS). The system functions by using the composite device created by combining an upper shell, thermal insulation and lower tile components shown in FIG. 2. The upper shell effectively separates its primary functions as a tough¬ened outer-surface and load carrier. In a preferred em¬bodiment, a structurally strong ceramic/ceramic upper shell is manufactured from ceramic cloth upon which additional ceramic material has been deposited and maintains the configuration of the upper shell. The lower tile is composed of lightweight ceramic normally acceptable in this application. One or more lightweight rigid or flexible insulation materials are used in the cav-ity created by combining the upper shell and lower tile. The assembly of the overall tile is facilitated by attach¬ment means effective to withstand the temperature and stress conditions. These attachment means include a self-locking wedge and complementary surface, ce¬ramic pins, augers and the like. The device is useful on the interior surface of a kiln or the like and is also at¬tached to the exterior surface of an aerospace vehicle for thermal protection.
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