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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Computer Sciences

University of Kentucky

2013

Charring ablators

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Volume Averaged Modeling Of The Oxidation Of Porous Carbon Fiber Material, Alexandre Martin Jun 2013

Volume Averaged Modeling Of The Oxidation Of Porous Carbon Fiber Material, Alexandre Martin

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Charring ablators remain the premium choice for space exploration missions that involve atmospheric re-entry. This type of ablative material is composed of a carbon matrix, usually made of fibers, which is then impregnated with a resin. During re-entry, the high heat flux produced by convective heating causes the material to chemically react. First, the resin pyrolyzes, and is vaporized into a gas that travels through the material, and is eventually ejected at the surface. Then, as the temperature rises, the surface of the porous matrix recess through ablative processes. For re-entry conditions typical of space exploration missions, this is mainly …


Multi-Dimensional Modeling Pyrolysis Gas Flow Inside Charring Ablators, Haoyue Weng, Alexandre Martin Jun 2013

Multi-Dimensional Modeling Pyrolysis Gas Flow Inside Charring Ablators, Haoyue Weng, Alexandre Martin

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Using an ablative thermal/material response code, the importance of three-dimensionality for modeling ablative test-article is addressed. In particular, the simulation of the pyrolysis gas flow inside a porous material is presented, using two different geometries. The effects of allowing the gas to flow out of the side wall are especially highlighted. Results show that the flow inside the test-article is complex, and that the 0D or 1D assumption made in most Material Response (MR) codes might not be valid for certain geometries.