Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Christensen, H. E..
Heating array for thermally conditioning reusable surface insulation panels of thermal protection systems is capable of heating samples to 2500 F at pressures ranging from 0.5 to 760 torr. System uses low cost, easily replaceable graphite heating elements, which give more uniform heating than quartz lamps.
The feasibility of using the space shuttle to launch planetary and DoD entry flight experiments was examined. The results of the program are presented in two parts: (1) simulating outer planet environments during an earth entry test, the prediction of Jovian and earth radiative heating dominated environments, mission strategy, booster performance and entry vehicle design, and (2) the DoD entry test needs for the 1980's, the use of the space shuttle to meet these DoD test needs, modifications of test procedures as pertaining to the space shuttle, modifications to the space shuttle to accommodate DoD test missions and the unique capabilities of the space shuttle. The major findings of this program are summarized.
The technical feasibility of launching a high speed, earth entry vehicle from the space shuttle to advance technology for the exploration of the outer planets' atmospheres was established. Disciplines of thermodynamics, orbital mechanics, aerodynamics propulsion, structures, design, electronics and system integration focused on the goal of producing outer planet environments on a probe shaped vehicle during an earth entry. Major aspects of analysis and vehicle design studied include: planetary environments, earth entry environment capability, mission maneuvers, capabilities of shuttle upper stages, a comparison of earth entry planetary environments, experiment design and vehicle design.
The environments produced by entry into Jupiter and Saturn atmospheres are summarized. Worst case design environments are identified and the effect of entry angle, type of atmosphere and ballistic coefficient variations are presented. The range of environments experienced during earth entry is parametrically described as a function of initial entry conditions. The sensitivity of these environments to vehicle ballistic coefficient and nose radius is also shown. An elliptical deorbit maneuver strategy is defined in terms of the velocity increment required versus initial entry conditions and apoapsis altitude. Mission time, ground track, and out of plane velocity penalties are also presented. Performance capabilities of typical shuttle launched boosters are described including the initial entry conditions attainable as a function of paylaod mass and apoapsis altitude.
For abstract, see vol. 1.
The sensitivity of silica heat shield requirements to gap width, tile edge radius, and heat transfer distribution within tile gaps was investigated. A two-dimensional thermal model was modified and used to determine the effect of two dimensional heat transfer distributions at high temperature reusable surface insulation edges on shuttle thermal protection system (TPS) requirements. The sensitivity of TPS requirements to coating thickness, emissivity, substructure thickness, and changes in gap heating for several locations on shuttle was also studied. An inverse solution technique was applied to temperature data obtained in the Ames 20 MW turbulent duct in order to examine the effect of tile edge radius on TPS requirements. The derived heating values were then used to predict TPS requirements. Results show that increasing tile radius reduces TPS requirements.
For abstract, see N75-28103.
For abstract, see N75-28103.
A graphite radiant heating array, capable of heating a 5-ft span of shuttle wing leading edge or a 4 x 8 ft flat panel through an entry thermal profile up to 3200 G, has been designed and built by McDonnell Douglas Corporation for NASA-Johnson Space Center. The unique, interchangeable, self-contained heather modules and their versatile support structure/coolant manifold are discussed along with the extensive thermal analysis that accompanied the design effort. A complete description of the geometric capabilities of the array, as well as the design details of the individual modules, is presented. The complete performance envelope of the array is discussed, including maximum temperature and gradients, heating uniformity, and the required utilities and support equipment.
Heat transfer data measured in gaps typical of those under consideration for joints in space shuttle reusable surface insulation protection systems have been assimilated, analyzed and correlated. The data were obtained in four NASA facilities. Several types of gaps were investigated with emphasis on simple butt joints. Gap widths ranged from 0.07 to 0.7 cm and depths ranged from 1 to 6 cm. Laminar, transitional and turbulent boundary layer flows over the gap opening were investigated. Three-dimensional heating variations were observed within gaps in the absence of external flow pressure gradients. Heat transfer correlation equations were obtained for several of the tests. Thermal protection system performance with and without gaps was compared for a representative shuttle entry trajectory.
Wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine the aerodynamic heating created by gaps in the reusable surface insulation (RSI) thermal protection system (TPS) for the space shuttle. The effects of various parameters of the RSI on convective heating characteristics are described. The wind tunnel tests provided a data base for accurate assessment of gap heating. Analysis and correlation of the data provide methods for predicting heating in the RSI gaps on the space shuttle.
During radiant testing of mullite panels, temperatures in the insulation and support structure exceeded those predicted on the basis of guarded hot plate thermal conductivity tests. Similar results were obtained during arc tunnel tests of mullite specimens. The differences between effective conductivity and guarded hot plate values suggested that radiant transfer through the mullite was occurring. To study the radiant transport, measurements were made of the infrared transmission through various insulating materials and fibers of interest to the shuttle program, using black body sources over the range of 780 to 2000 K. Experimental data were analyzed and scattering coefficients were derived for a variety of materials, fiber diameters, and source temperature.
Arc tunnel tests on convective heating in surface insulation plate joints and gaps show that excessively wide gaps experience significant convective heating and may result in bondline overheating. A contoured joint affords more heat protection than a butt joint.
Meteoroid impact simulation test results on insulation tiles were used to determine penetration resistance of reusable surface insulation attached to simulated shuttle structures. The probability of no meteoroid damage to a typical shuttle orbiter was determined. Specimens were plasma jet tested to determine effects of various size meteoroid cavities on their thermal performance. None of the tiles failed catastrophically, but large, egg-shaped craters did result from meteoroid penetration. The metallic side of a specimen that was completely penetrated showed a petalled hole typical for thin gage shielded structures.