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Radiative metallic thermal protection systems - A status reportDuring the early stages of the space shuttle program there were a number of technological uncertainties concerning the applicability of metallic thermal protection systems (TPS) to the multimission environment of the shuttle. To resolve the uncertainties and to advance the state-of-the-art, the NASA-Langley Research Center initiated a broad-based technology program to develop metallic TPS over the temperature range from 810 K to 1590 K. Wind tunnel tests conducted to assess the influence of surface/stream interaction of wavy surfaces on the design of metallic TPS indicate small increases in heat flux and surface drag for flow angles less than 20 deg. Analytical and experimental investigations, recently completed, have significantly improved prediction methods for cyclic creep behavior of TPS components repeatedly exposed to complex mission cycles. Thermal/structural concept optimization studies to minimize mass while maintaining structural integrity have led to advanced designs with unit masses which are competitive with those for shuttle RSI. In addition, the durability and reusability of metallic TPS have been repeatedly demonstrated in tests of full-scale systems. The current state-of-the-art strongly suggests that radiative metallic TPS have come of age.
Document ID
19770042891
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Bohon, H. L.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Shideler, J. L.
(NASA Langley Research Center Structures and Dynamics Div., Hampton, Va., United States)
Rummler, D. R.
(NASA Langley Research Center Materials Div., Hampton, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 77-391
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: US
Start Date: March 21, 1977
End Date: March 23, 1977
Accession Number
77A25743
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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