Approximation for maximum centerline heating on lifting entry vehicles.

A centerline heating approximation is proposed in which only three basic equations need be solved. The heat rates correlate well with those obtained by more complex procedures. The approximation is readily adaptable to existing trajectory optimization programs to provide realistic surface temperature constraint capability with little increase in computer storage capacity and computer time. It is based on an analysis of heat-rate data computed for altitudes from 36,000 to 122,000 m, velocities from 600 to 7900 m/sec, and angles of attack from 0 to 60 degrees.