Understanding the potential of advanced materials for hypersonic flight is crucial for pushing the boundaries of aerospace structures. The recent advances in this study show hybrid polymer composites improved resistance to high-energy radiation. Boron nitride (BN) stands out for its impressive thermal stability, high thermal conductivity and strong mechanical properties, making it ideal for hypersonic upthrust and re-entry applications. However, traditional thermoset matrices often suffer from chain scission, crosslinking damage and free radical formation when exposed to radiation, leading to reduced mechanical performance.
This study explores tailoring the mechanical response of BN/carbon fiber/phenolic composites to radiation by incorporating varied BN loading during manufacturing. We exposed samples to X-ray radiation, followed by an evaluation of their mechanical performance and microstructural evolution. Results show promising mechanical properties, and further testing was performed to assess the impact of radiation exposure on the material’s strength and overall metrics.
Kalea Gant, Tionci Greene, Kaiya LaRue, Jaylan Maddox, James Williams II
Rebekah Sweat, Ph.D., Tarik Dickens, Ph.D., Ernesto Garcia, Ph.D.
Sandia National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, HPMI
Spring