Numerical Investigation of Thermal Response Using Orthotropic Charring Ablative Material

Abstract

An orthotropic material model is implemented in a three-dimensional material response code, and numerically studied for charring ablative material. Model comparison is performed using an iso-Q sample geometry. The comparison is presented using pyrolysis gas streamlines and time series of temperature at selected virtual thermocouples. Results show that orthotropic permeability affects both pyrolysis gas flow and thermal response, but orthotropic thermal conductivity essentially changes the thermal performance only. The pyrolysis gas flow is hypothesized to contribute to the thermal response of the material as it convects energy through the porous medium.