Numerical modelling of thermal decomposition processes and associated damage in carbon fibre composites

Thermo-chemical degradation of carbon fibre composite (CFC) materials under intensive heat fluxes are modelled. The model couples together heat diffusion, polymer pyrolysis with associated gas production and convection through partially decomposed CFCs, and changes in transport properties of the material due to the damage. The model is verified by laser ablation experiments with controlled heat input. The numerical predictions indicate that the thermal gas transport has a minimal effect on the decomposition extent. On the other hand, the model shows that the internal gas pressure is large enough to cause fracture and delamination, and the damage extent may go far beyond the decomposition region as witnessed from experimental verification of the model.