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Aero-Thermal Characterization Of Silicon Carbide Flexible Tps Using A 30kw Icp Torch, Walten Owens
Aero-Thermal Characterization Of Silicon Carbide Flexible Tps Using A 30kw Icp Torch, Walten Owens
Graduate College Dissertations and Theses
Flexible thermal protection systems are of interest due to their necessity for the success of future atmospheric entry vehicles. Current non-ablative flexible designs incorporate a two-dimensional woven fabric on the leading surface of the vehicle. The focus of this research investigation was to characterize the aerothermal performance of silicon carbide fabric using the 30 kW Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch located at the University of Vermont. Experimental results have shown that SiC fabric test coupons achieving surface temperatures between 1000°C and 1500°C formed an amorphous silicon dioxide layer within seconds after insertion into air plasmas. The transient morphological changes that occurred …