The response of Kevlar and graphite/epoxy composites subjected to simulated nuclear or laser thermal loads was measured. A solar furnace was used to radiantly heat samples at flux rates of up to 55 cal/cm2/sec and total fluences of approximately 100 cal/cm2. An iterative numerical technique was used to estimate the thermophysical properties of the materials by matching observed temperature-time histories with analytical predictions. Comparison of results obtained during this program with previously published data suggests that free stream velocity, which affects smoke blockage and char layer removal, is a critical design parameter.
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