Silicon is a chemical element, with the symbol Si and atomic number 14.
In the aerospace context, silicon refers to the element silicon (Si), which is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a silvery-gray, brittle semiconductor that is used in a wide variety of electronic and electrical devices.
Silicon is used in many aerospace applications, including:
- In solar cells, to convert sunlight into electricity
- In semiconductor devices, such as microprocessors and memory chips, to control the flow of electricity
- In the production of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers, which are used to reinforce composite materials used in aircraft and spacecraft structures.
- In control and guidance systems
- In sensors and communication equipment
- In space-borne instrumentation
Examples of aerospace companies that use silicon in their products include Boeing, Airbus, and NASA.