Experimental system and method of aerobic thermal environment simulation based on laser heating

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Aerospace Engineering
• Thermal Engineering

Background:

• Hypersonic vehicles require advanced lightweight, heat-resistant materials.
• Existing thermal simulation methods may not fully replicate the extreme conditions encountered.
• Carbon-carbon (C/C) and carbon-silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites are key materials for these applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a laser-induced heating system for simulating thermal shock conditions.
• To investigate the behavior of C/C and C/SiC composites under simulated hypersonic flight conditions.
• To provide a reliable testing method for high-temperature resistant materials in an aerobic environment.

Main Methods:

• A thermal simulation platform was developed using laser-induced heating in an aerobic environment.
• Optical fibre bundling techniques were used to achieve a uniform, flat-topped square laser beam.
• Current modulation controlled the precise laser power output.
• Experiments subjected C/C and C/SiC composites to temperatures up to 1800°C.

Main Results:

• The developed system successfully simulated high temperatures, rapid temperature increases, and thermal shocks on C/C composite materials.
• Minimal variation in the coupling coefficient was observed under aerobic conditions.
• The system demonstrated its capability for thermal-force-oxygen coupling testing.

Conclusions:

• The laser-induced heating system is effective for simulating extreme thermal conditions on high-temperature resistant composites.
• The platform provides crucial technological support for testing materials under conditions relevant to hypersonic vehicle applications.
• This method offers a reliable approach for evaluating material performance in demanding environments.