Effects of aeroconvective environments on 2D reinforced ceramic matrix composites

The effect of aeroconvective heating environment similar to that observed a spacecraft ascent or reentry from orbit, on the performance of a commercial carbon-reinforced ceramic matrix material specimens of two configurations (orthotropic and quasi-isotropic), fabricated by the Societe Europenne Propulsion (SEP) process was investigated using the NASA Ames Research Center 20 Megawatt Panel Test facility. The performance of the commercial material was compared with the SEP prepared materials. It was found that, whereas the quasi-isotropic SEP specimens exhibited a much higher mass loss rate and a significant dimensional change upon exposure to the thermal environment than did the orthotropic ones, the commercial SEP-like materials did not exhibit these characteristics. There was no greater mass loss rate for the quasi-isotropic specimens, and no dimension changes were observed. The Nicalon reinforced materials in both configurations, as fabricated by SEP or by the commercial source, showed no mass changes and no dimensional changes.