Study of ablative properties of carbon thermal protection materials

The current state of research on the study of the ablative properties of carbon thermal protection materials for spacecraft is considered in relation to the conditions of spacecraft motion in the Earth’s atmosphere. Various carbon/polymer composites, which are the main and most versatile class of thermal protection materials due to their ability to adapt to various thermal loads, are analyzed. A critical review of the physicochemical processes occurring during ablation of carbon-containing composites, as well as methods for their modeling, is made. An analysis of experimental facilities used to study the ablative properties of carbon thermal protection materials is carried out, as well as their operating principles, potential use and limitations.