Investigating laser-induced thermal responses of C/SiC composites within airflow conditions

This study primarily investigates the thermal effects of high-energy laser irradiation on carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites in an airflow environment. Experiments conducted within a wind tunnel at various power densities elucidate the impact of laser ablation on the material’s surface and rear temperatures, ablation depth, and morphology. The research highlights the intriguing thermal effects of high-energy laser on C/SiC materials under airflow conditions and introduces a novel effective thermal conductivity model that incorporates reaction mechanisms and by-product considerations. This model significantly enhances the accuracy in predicting temperature variations and ablation rates, offering critical insights into the thermal behavior of C/SiC composites under extreme conditions. • Investigation of high-energy laser irradiation’s impact on the thermal behavior of C/SiC composites in airflow conditions. • A novel model for effective thermal conductivity, incorporating reaction mechanisms and by-product considerations in C/SiC composites. • Detailed analysis of temperature variations and ablation depths in C/SiC composites under different laser power densities. • Assessment of the influence of airflow on the thermal ablation and temperature profiles of laser-irradiated C/SiC composites.