High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) as a Materials Test Method for Simulating Aerothermal Effects
Gehn Ferguson, Mark Buchta, Mark Graybeal, Daniel Simmons, Austin DiOrio, Hyung Suk Kang, Dajie Zhang, Yo-Rhin Rhim, Kenneth Kane, Avi BregmanABSTRACT
High-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) is a member of the thermal spray process family in which a mixture of oxygen, fuel, and compressed air are continuously combusted, and the flame is accelerated through a nozzle to achieve high gas velocities. AlthoughHVOF is commonly used for the application of metallic or ceramic coatings, it is presented in this paper as a means of simulating high-speed aerothermodynamic effects. With gas velocities exceeding Mach 2, gas temperatures in excess of 2,000°C, and an oxidative environment, HVOF is a promising low-cost test method for screening materials and components in high-temperature environments including materials for hypersonic vehicles, rocket plume impingement, etc. This paper presents for the first time a holistic analysis of the HVOF environment for materials screening as well as the ability to simulate thermal conditions in a given trajectory. Its value as a materials screening method is demonstrated through a case study of thermomechanical erosion.