Engineering topics

Smith, Dane

Publications and source records attributed to Smith, Dane.

4 records

NASA NTRS2001

Microstructural Investigation of High Emittance Glass Coatings on Fibrous Ceramic Insulation

This viewgraph presentation provides an overview of the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) and the various products incorporated in the TPS. There are three tile systems which include pure silica, fibrous refractory composite insulation (FRCI), and alumina enhanced thermal barrier (AETB). Coating systems include reaction cured glass (RCG) and toughened uni-piece insulation (TUFI). The microstructures of these systems are explored as are the manufacturing processes associated with each. Microstructural investigation using methods such as automated X-ray spectral image analysis (AXSIA) is a crucial part of understanding the mechanical nature of these systems.

Ellerby, Don↗

NASA NTRS1998

Method for Molding Planar Billet of Thermally Insulative Material Into Predetermined Non-Planar Shape

A method and apparatus is discussed for molding thermal protection system (TPS) tiles for spacecraft. The apparatus and method include a bottom mold member defining a mold surface shaped like a surface of the spacecraft, e.g., the nose cap of wing leading edge, sought to be thermally protected. A flat billet of TPS material is positioned over the periphery of the mold surface, and a hollow weight element that has a periphery configured like the periphery of the mold surface is positioned on the billet. The billet is then heated in accordance with a predetermined heating regime, and during the heating process the weight of the weight element causes the billet to deform to assume the shape of the mold surface. If desired, a TUFI coating is impregnated into the billet prior to heating, and the coating is sintered to the billet during heating. After heating, a composite matrix material, e.g., a graphite or fiberglass cloth which is impregnated with epoxy or polimide, is bonded to the now-shaped tile to support the tile. Silicone can then be impregnated into the now-formed tile to provide flexibility of the tile.

Kolodziej, Paul↗

NASA NTRS1997

Evaluation of Thermal Control Coatings for Flexible Ceramic Thermal Protection Systems

This report summarizes the evaluation and testing of high emissivity protective coatings applied to flexible insulations for the Reusable Launch Vehicle technology program. Ceramic coatings were evaluated for their thermal properties, durability, and potential for reuse. One of the major goals was to determine the mechanism by which these coated blanket surfaces become brittle and try to modify the coatings to reduce or eliminate embrittlement. Coatings were prepared from colloidal silica with a small percentage of either SiC or SiB6 as the emissivity agent. These coatings are referred to as gray C-9 and protective ceramic coating (PCC), respectively. The colloidal solutions were either brushed or sprayed onto advanced flexible reusable surface insulation blankets. The blankets were instrumented with thermocouples and exposed to reentry heating conditions in the Ames Aeroheating Arc Jet Facility. Post-test samples were then characterized through impact testing, emissivity measurements, chemical analysis, and observation of changes in surface morphology. The results show that both coatings performed well in arc jet tests with backface temperatures slightly lower for the PCC coating than with gray C-9. Impact testing showed that the least extensive surface destruction was experienced on blankets with lower areal density coatings.

Kourtides, Demetrius↗

NASA NTRS1997

Materials Testing on the DC-X and DC-XA

Flight testing of thermal protection materials has been carried out over a two year period on the base heat shield of the Delta Clipper (DC-X and DC-XA), as well on a body flap. The purpose was to use the vehicle as a test bed for materials and more efficient repair or maintenance processes which would be potentially useful for application on new entry vehicles (i.e., X-33, RLV, planetary probes), as well as on the existing space shuttle orbiters. Panels containing Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) and/or structural materials were constructed either at NASA Ames Research Center or at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) and attached between two of the four thrusters in the base heat shield of the DC-X or DC-XA. Three different panels were flown on DC-X flights 6, 7, and 8. A total of 7 panels were flown on DC-XA flights 1, 2, and 3. The panels constructed at Ames contained a variety of ceramic TPS including flexible blankets, tiles with high emissivity coatings, lightweight ceramic ablators and other ceramic composites. The MDS test panels consisted primarily of a variety of metallic composites. This report focuses on the ceramic TPS test results.

Smith, Dane↗