Study of Ablation Characteristics Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic with Silicon Carbide Pores

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 02 | Page : 617 627
    By

    Suthagar S,

  • Kumaran T.,

  • Gooty Rohan,

  • Sundharesan R.,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Significant thermal stress is placed on spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry, primarily due to aerodynamic heating.  This intense heat can cause severe material damage threatening the spacecraft’s structural integrity. To address this challenge, efforts are focused on improving the ablation resistence of spacecraft components.  In this work, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites containing silicon carbide (SiC) holes are explored as a potential solution for enhancing thermal protection system. Four different composite versions were developed using compression molding: CF100% (pure carbon fiber), CF30% and SiC70%, CF40% and SiC60%, and CF50% and SiC50%. The composites were thoroughly evaluated in terms of their thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and flammability according to ASTM standards. Among the tested composites, the CF50% and SiC50% composite exhibited the highest thermal conductivity, demonstrating the best heat transfer performance. This indicates its potential to efficiently manage heat during re-entry. On the other hand, the composite of CF40% and SiC60% showed balanced performance with improved flammability resistance, a slower rate of thermal expansion, and moderate thermal conductivity. According to these results, the CF40% and SiC60% composite provides a well-rounded option for high-temperature aerospace applications by fusing structural stability and safety against thermal stress with efficient thermal management. By developing composite materials for harsh environmental settings, this study advances aerospace vehicle durability and safety.

Keywords: Ablation resistance, thermal protection, high-temperature composites, thermal conductivity, compression moulding.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Suthagar S, Kumaran T., Gooty Rohan, Sundharesan R.. Study of Ablation Characteristics Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic with Silicon Carbide Pores. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):617-627.
How to cite this URL:
Suthagar S, Kumaran T., Gooty Rohan, Sundharesan R.. Study of Ablation Characteristics Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic with Silicon Carbide Pores. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):617-627. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=205299


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 02
Received 06/11/2024
Accepted 23/12/2024
Published 15/02/2025
Publication Time 101 Days
235

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