High Power Laser Studies of Thermal Oxidation and Ablation Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composite Materials for Hypersonic Applications
Abstract
A proposal is made to address the need defined in the BAA NSWC IHEODTD BAA N00174-20- 0001; NSWC Dahlgren topic # DD-01 on hypersonic thermal protection systems. Thermal protection systems are required for ballistic re-entry to hypersonic cruise vehicles as the leading edge could encounter temperatures of over 2000 0C, corrosive plasma from the atmosphere leading to severe oxidation and extreme heat fluxes. To protect the leading edge, ceramic matrix composite materials like carbides, borides, and nitrides of Zr, Hf, Ta have been investigated. However, significant degradation of material through oxidation and ablation could occur under extreme temperatures during hypersonic vehicle travel through an atmosphere. A complex experimental setup is required to generate such high heat fluxes and evaluate the material oxidation and ablation rates. We propose laser oxidation and ablation method to evaluate the hypersonic material degradation rates and the measurement of interface temperature. The high-power laser method is a much simpler method, and a fundamental understanding of the oxidation and ablation process can be achieved. Currently, modeling and simulation are carried out to estimate the oxidation and ablation rates, and the proposed approach will allow the validation of models and easy screening of different test materials for future performance improvement. The generated data would provide the limitations of current materials systems as well as the development of shield against laser threats. The laser oxidation and ablation studies will be carried out under different atmospheric conditions and pressure for C/SiC and SiC/SiC composites. A 4000-watt power laser in our laboratory will provide the desired heat flux. The project will provide student educational training in the area of lasers, optics, and photonics and development of stronger research collaboration with Dahlgren engineering, which will allow further enhancement in research and educational activity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 02, 2021
- Source ID
- N001742110012
Entities
People
- Mool C Gupta
Organizations
- United States Navy
- University of Virginia