A Review of Numerical and Experimental Characterization of Thermal Protection Materials Part II: Properties Characterization

Abstract

Thermal protection materials are required to preserve structural components of space vehicles during the re-entry stage, missile launching systems, and solid rocket motors. A literature survey was conducted to review the experimental characterization of various thermophysical properties relevant to the performance of thermal protection materials. The theoretical and experimental techniques used to determine thermophysical properties such as density, specific heat, decomposition kinetic parameters, melt temperature, and thermochemical expansion of polymeric composites are summarized. Additionally, thermophysical properties of selected virgin and charred ablative materials at elevated temperature are presented. This paper is the second in a four-part comprehensive literature survey that is grouped into numerical modeling, properties characterization, experimental testing, and advanced nozzle throat material. I. Introduction Thermal protection materials are required to protect structural components of space vehicles during the re-entry stage, missile launching systems, and solid rocket motors. A thorough literature survey was conducted to review the numerical and experimental characterization of these thermal protection materials for different military and aerospace applications. The literature survey is grouped into: (a) numerical modeling, (b) materials thermophysical properties characterization, (c) experimental testing, and (d) advanced nozzle throat material. In this paper, only the material properties characterization literature will be discussed. The numerical modeling review was published previously, 1 experimental testing, and advanced nozzle throat material will be presented in subsequent reviews. The determination of thermophysical properties of selected virgin and charred ablative materials as a function of temperature will be presented. The theoretical and experimental techniques to determine thermophysical properties such as heat capacity, decomposition, and melt temperature of polymeric materials are summarized.