JOINT AIR FORCE-NAVY SUPERSONIC RAIN EROSION EVALUATIONS OF MATERIALS
Abstract
A comprehensive investigation of sixty-five dielectric and other materials for short exposure time rain erosion resistance at velocities of Mach 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 has recently been accomplished. Multiple samples of each material were mounted in a wedge shaped holder attached to the forward end of a multi-staged rocket sled and exposed to the same rain environment by firing the sled through a 6,000 feet long artificial rain field. The samples were exposed at five different impact angles and four different velocities and quantitative rain erosion resistance determined as a function of velocity, time of exposure and impact angle. Although the exposure times were short the materials demonstrated real differences in their rain erosion resistance. Materials evaluated included isotropic and sandwich ceramics, plastic laminates, nickel electroplated plastics, inorganic laminates, ceramic and elastomeric coated laminates, glasses, thermoplastics, sandwich plastics and metals. The results of these supersonic exposures are summarized and listed according to materials category. Quantitative data in the form of weight loss per unit area and mean depth of penetration rate (MDPR) are presented. Equations describing the high velocity short exposure time erosion rates of plastic laminates and fused silica ceramics have been developed. Data for most other materials have been plotted but not fitted to equations. Photographs of all rain-exposed specimens and descriptions of the 65 materials evaluated are included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0826428
Entities
People
- George F. Schmitt Jr.
- George J. Tatnall
- Kenneth W. Foulke
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory