Thermophysical Property Characterization of Decomposing Aerospace Materials

An innovative concept for measuring thermophysical properties of continuously decomposing materials is proposed. This has not been previously accomplished. The properties of interest include: mass loss, sensible and latent specific heat, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion and structural strength. A Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) measures mass loss, other measurement instrumentation does not. The innovative concept involves using this mass loss to synchronize the decomposition rate of all instruments so that mass loss effects can be included by using TGA measured mass loss. The Phase I is structured to provide a proof-of-concept for a single material heating/cooling/heating cycle. A Phase II would expand and refine the methodology for all instruments, initiate work to scale results from coupon size to full-scale component size samples and begin incorporation of the new measurement technology into thermal response simulations. Successful demonstration of this innovative methodology is patentable and can be used for commercial measurements. The culmination of Phase II will be a product, COntinuously DEcomposing Thermophysical Characterization (CODET), which has extensive commercial and government application.Approved for Public Release | 17-MDA-9219 (31 May 17)