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The Theory of Melting Ablation, with Vaporisation, Gas-Phase Chemical Reaction, Surface Pyrolysis, and Transient Effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 June 2016

D. B. Spalding*
Affiliation:
*Imperial College of Science and Technology
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Summary

Standard techniques of mass-transfer theory are used for the prediction of ablation rates; the thermodynamic and chemical-kinetic material properties are introduced by way of enthalpy-composition diagrams; the interface condition is given as the root of a single non-linear equation involving material properties. The paper treats both steady ablation and unsteady ablation, the latter by means of a quasi-steady assumption which confines transient effects to the solid phase.

Detailed comparisons are made with the methods of Sutton, Bethe and Adams, and Lees. The formulations of the paper are shown to be equivalent to, but more general than, those of the earlier authors; it is suggested that they are simpler as well. Some improvements over previous practice are recommended in connection with the calculation of the shear stress at the interface.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society. 1961

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References

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