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

作者：Helber Bernd^*; Chazot Olivier; Hubin Annick; Magin Thierry E

来源：Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing , 2015, 72: 96-107.

DOI：10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.02.004

• Carbon-carbon composites (CCC)
• High-temperature properties
• Ablation
• Surface analysis

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.

• 出版日期2015-5