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Microstructure and gas-surface interaction studies of a low-density carbon-bonded carbon fiber composite in atmospheric entry plasmas

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

Carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) composites are a cost-effective solution for the production of low-density carbon-phenolic Thermal Protection Systems (TPS). This new TPS for spacecraft requires new experimental data for model development and validation. Ablation experiments of a CBCF composite were carried out in an inductively-coupled plasma generator to assess the performance in high-enthalpy flows. Surface temperatures up to 2900 K led to strong surface ablation and test samples of hemispherical shape responded with constant surface temperatures and recession rates. Cylindrical samples experienced a continuous surface temperature increase. Emission spectra of the cyano radical CN were indicative of a 4–5 mm reactive boundary layer. Deviation from thermal equilibrium was found by comparison to simulated spectra. Micrographs revealed an oxidation zone in the order of 0.2 mm at the surface, suggesting a gas phase diffusion controlled ablation regime. Strong corrosion of the fibers in nitrogen plasma is attributed to wall nitridation.
Journal: Composites : Part A, Applied Science & Manufacturing
ISSN: 1359-835X
Volume: 72
Pages: 96-107
Publication year:2015
Keywords:Carbon–carbon composites (CCC), High-temperature properties, Ablation, Surface analysis
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-9966-4493/work/83132857
  • WoS Id: 000351974100012
  • Scopus Id: 84923382271
CSS-citation score:2