An analysis of surface erosion for graphite and carbon composite thermal insulation materials

Carbon fibre reinforced carbon (CFRC), carbon–carbon (C/C), or reinforced carbon–carbon (RCC) is a composite material consisting of carbon fiber reinforcement in a matrix of graphite. It was developed for the reentry vehicles of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and is most widely known as the material for the nose cone and wing leading edges of the Space Shuttle orbiter. Carbon-carbon brake discs and brake pads have been the standard component of the brake systems of Formula One racing cars since the late ۱۹۷۰’s; the first year carbon brakes were seen on a Formula One car was ۱۹۷۶. Carbon–carbon is well-suited to structural applications at high temperatures, or where thermal shock resistance and/or a low coefficient of thermal expansion is needed. While it is less brittle than many other ceramics, it lacks impact resistance; Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed during atmospheric re-entry after one of its RCC panels was broken by the impact of a piece of polyurethane foam insulation that broke off from the Space Shuttle External Tank. A rocket uses fuel and oxidizers to generate propulsion by combustion and ejection, and is used for space exploration aircrafts, weapons, and satellite launches. In particular, the nozzle generating thrust of solid-propellant rockets is exposed to a high-temperature and high-pressure environment with erosion occurring from the combustion gas. When erosion occurs on the nozzle throat of such a rocket, it has a great impact on the flight performance such as reaching distance and flight speed. Many studies have been conducted to characterize erosion based on the thermochemical erosion model, since it has become important to choose nozzle materials suitable for such environments having robustness against combustion gasses of high temperature and high pressure. In this paper, we thus consider the mechanical erosion model with the thermochemical model for better understanding of erosion characteristics and investigate the thermochemical and mechanical erosion characteristics of nozzle throat heat-resistant materials made of graphite and carbon–carbon composites; the main factors affecting erosion are discussed by comparing the results of the experimental and theoretical models.