Chinese scientists say a cheap, lightweight foam could improve hypersonic weapons
- After testing carbon foam on a prototype vehicle in a wind tunnel, experts say it ‘has great application potential’ as a coating material
- Team finds it could reduce impact of shock waves by more than 20 per cent and dramatically improve aerodynamic stability
The team at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre said their testing – carried out in a wind tunnel – suggested the material could reduce the impact of shock waves by more than 20 per cent.
And they said it could improve a weapon’s aerodynamic stability by up to two orders of magnitude at the hypersonic speed of Mach 6.
China’s existing hypersonic weapons can travel at five times the speed of sound, Mach 5, or faster. The smooth surface of their hulls – made from super-hard materials such as titanium alloy and carbon fibre – is designed to reduce drag. But the shock waves that can be generated at hypersonic speeds could jeopardise a flight.
Hypersonic weapons have sophisticated flight control mechanisms to deal with shock waves and maintain stability, but researchers are looking for simpler solutions.
22:01
Are aliens among us? Michio Kaku on UFOs and China-US space race | Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo
The team at the aerodynamics centre in Mianyang, Sichuan province, believe they may have found an answer.