Numerical simulation of erosion for carbon-based composites impacted by hypervelocity particles

A numeral model of erosion for carbon-based materials impacted by hypervelocity particles was established based on dynamics. The parameters characterizing the capability of materials resistance to erosion, impact damage erosion energy and shear damage erosion energy were introduced in this model. The theoretical formulas of the volume loss caused by particles impacting were obtained by defining a multiple impacts modifying factor β. The extent of erosion of graphite and C/C composite was calculated while the impact angle and velocity of A1₂O₃ particles varied. The results indicate that, although both forms of mechanical damage would take place simultaneously, the mechanism of carbon-based materials appears to be the impact damage caused by normal force. The calculation results achieved by the present method well agree with the experimental data in the related literature.