Surface destructive mechanism on high-temperature ablation, supersonic-erosion, dreg-adherence and corrosion

The exhaust and flame from a supersonic airborne missile high-energy smoke-born engine (SAMHSE) may lead to high-temperature ablation, supersonic-erosion, dreg-adherence (HTASED) and corrosion on the launcher slide track, causing serious problems to the operation and decreasing the lifetime of the launcher. Therefore, it is imperative to study the destructive mechanism so as to guarantee the smooth operation and increase the lifetime of military equipments. Accordingly, HTASED and corrosion were systematically observed and analyzed with the emphasis placed on the mechanism investigations making use of a series evaluation tests, typical missile engine simulation tests, national military standard methods, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical corrosion tests. It is found that the thermal impact of high-temperature flame and supersonic erosion of corrosive melting particle jet of the SAMHSE lead to surface defects of micro-cracks, denudation and corrosive residue. Some defects reach to metal base becoming to "corrosive channels". Repetitive HTASED may cause ablation-adhesion fatigue stress, which enhances the surface corrosion and destruction. HTASED and corrosion are related to the type of a SAMHSE fuel and experience of the launcher. Surface destruction is related to synergistic effects of the HTASED. The ablated and failed Al or steel surface is liable to electrochemical corrosion characterized by pitting in humid and salt-spray environment.