Evaluation of materials in entry heating simulation

The effects of several environmental parameters on the behavior of ablation materials have been examined. Practically all the entry heating parameters such as enthalpy, pressure, heating rate, aerodynamic shear, and so forth, affect material performance. However, the significance of the effects depends to a large extent upon the type of material. Inasmuch as it is rarely possible to simulate several environment effects simultaneously, the primary inputs must be determined and the test simulation must account for the effects of these inputs. The particular materials of concern must be characterized by test and analysis to determine which of the many environmental inputs are the most significant.