No abstract

This article reports a novel lightweight integrated multifunctional composite (LIMC) with good thermal ablative and insulating properties for high temperature extreme environment. LIMC, which is an integrated woven carbon fiber preform reinforced phenolic aerogel composites, was prepared using vacuum impregnation and ambient pressure drying. The as-prepared LIMC consisted of a dense surface layer exposed to environment, and a lightweight insulation zone to manage the heat load. The influences of weaving parameter and resin structure of LIMC on thermal protection and insulting performance were investigated. The results demonstrated that LIMC exhibited excellent ablation and insulation properties, and the weaving parameter and resin structure can affect integrated thermal protection and insulating performance. The 3D orthogonal recession layer with dense aerogels can improve the ablation resistance, while the 2.5D layer-layer angle-interlock with light aerogels can increase the insulation behavior of LIMC. The novel LIMC presents wide application prospects in the field of thermal protection and heat insulation.

A dual‐scale ablation model was developed to address the lack of research on the influence of weaving parameters of gradient 3D woven composites on the ablation performance. It consists of a mesoscale heat transfer model and a macroscale ablation model, and they are effectively connected by parametric conduction. By comparing with experimental results, the accuracy of the model was demonstrated. The effect of yarn spacing, recession resistant layer thickness on the thermal protection performance of gradient 3D woven composite was investigated. Furthermore, the effect of each weaving parameter on the integrated performance of ablation resistance, thermal insulation and light‐weight level is evaluated. The results show each weaving parameter has a substantial impact on thermal protection performance, with weft spacing and binder yarn spacing being the most significant influence. Reasonable design of these parameters can facilitate the comprehensive performance of composites. These results serve as a useful reference for refinement design of thermal protection materials.