Effects of aerodynamic heating on X-15 temperatures

Paper describes examples which show how wind-tunnel model tests of the actual configuration of the aircraft aid in aerothermodynamic analyses and how these tests have made possible increased accuracy in structural temperature prediction. Also, from this and other research, development and design work on the X-15 has been done to accomplish a design consistent with the specified flight requirements. In this work, structural temperatures have been held within acceptable limits by providing sufficient heat sink material. Limited areas of the skin and leading edges are expected to attain temperatures greater than 1,200 degrees F. However, these areas have been carefully investigated for the effect of these higher temperatures on the structure and have been found to be satisfactory.