Development and validation of an ablative material response model for MXB-360 and MXBE-350

Simulations of the glass/phenolic ablatives MXB-360 and MXBE-350, produced by Sioux Manufacturing, are validated in an oxidative hyperthermal environment using the Northrop Grumman Insulation Thermal Response and Ablation Code (ITRAC). Thermophysical characterization data for both composite systems were utilized from previous work by Dr. Jack Henderson. Complete Kinetic Modeling Parameter (KMP) factors for MXB-360 and MXBE-350 are developed through the use of Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), while both pyrolysis gas enthalpy tables and B-prime tables are developed through the use of Electron Dispersion X-ray (EDX) mass spectrometry and the Aerothermal Chemical Equilibrium (ACE) surface thermochemistry code. Temperature profile and surface behavior data are generated by testing composite samples at heat fluxes of 500, 1,000, and 1,500 W/cm2 using an Oxyacetylene Test Bed (OTB). K-type thermocouples embedded at staggered depths within the OTB test models (30 mm diameter and 15 mm thick) provide in-situ, in-depth temperature profiles. Temperature, mass loss, and ablation depth data from the OTB tests are compared against the material response model output in order to assess the accuracy of the simulation. Discrepancies between the material response model output and experimental results are discussed and their underlying phenomena identified using sensor readings from the OTB.