High-energy x-rays probe extreme-temperature materials for atmospheric re-entry
Carbon-fibre-reinforced-carbon (aka “carbon-carbon” or “C/C”) is a leading, tough, low-density material that has been extensively used for these applications. Despite its many advantages, C/C does suffer from being susceptible to oxidization, and must therefore be coated with some protective layer prior to use. The residual and thermally-induced strains between C/C and its protective coatings must be understood in order to engineer safer, lighter vehicles.