Computational Modeling and Analysis of Ablative Composites Using Micro-tomographic Images

In this study, Image-based computational analysis using the developed models was performed to predict the degradation of effective properties by ablation. The ablation tests of carbon/ phenolic composites were performed using a 0.4 MW arc-heated wind tunnel. The carbon/ phenolic composite samples were scanned using the micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to analyze the ablation characteristics according to a duration time of the ablation test. By calibrating the scanned images, computational models were developed that reflect the actual microstructure of the ablation composites. Also, nine computational models that reflect the actual pore shape were developed using the created cross-sectional images. Image-based computational analysis using the developed models was performed to predict the degradation of effective properties by ablation and the decrease of effective properties was confirmed with increase of porosity.