Evaluation of Carbon-Carbon Composite Nosetip Materials.
Abstract
Fourteen orthogonally-reinforced carbon-carbon materials were evaluated for application to terminal defense interceptor (ATDI) nosetip concepts. The preforms were woven from four different types of graphite yarns manufactured from PAN, rayon and an experimental pitch-precursor. Weave geometries represented a complete range of preform characteristics in terms of weave fineness and balance. Ablation tests were performed at three stagnation pressure level up to 168 atmospheres and post-test analyses of the material ablation performance were conducted. Five of the most promising materials were strength-tested and a complete engineering properties data base was developed for one of the materials (AMMRC/FMI 221). Nosetip designs were developed for a typical ATDI mission and four prototype full-scale models were fabricated and tested in a high pressure rocket exhaust facility. One nosetip model of AMMRC/FMI 221 was fabricated for flight test and analyzed for thermal and structural performance. It was demonstrated in this program that certain fine-weave carbon-carbon materials of the type evaluated will provide stable, symmetric nosetip shapes while undergoing high pressure, turbulent recession in ATDI environments. In addition, it was shown that these materials can be tailored, by weave configuration design, for specific bending strength requirements. Intercept missions through severe weather environments require an erosion-resistant subtip such as tungsten. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033540
Entities
People
- J. C. Schutzler
- John R. Stetson