The Nonequilibrium Ablation of Carbon.
Abstract
A comprehensive analysis is presented of the nonequilibrium ablation of carbon in an atmosphere whose elemental composition consists of Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon and an inert species. The scope of the investigation ranges from the low surface temperature regime, where the ablation process is dominated by kinetically controlled oxidation reactions, to the high temperature sublimation regime dominated by rate-controlled vaporization. A detailed examination is made of the commonly employed assumption concerning the gas-phase and gas-solid reaction rates. In particular, calculations are presented for the limiting assumptions of fast (equilibrium) and slow (frozen) homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions. The vaporization from a liquid carbon melt layer is analyzed and calculations are presented for the surface mass loss and melt layer thickness. Comparisons are made with the available experimental data and recommendations made for future experimental investigation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA068198
Entities
People
- P. G. Crowell
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation