Plasma Torch Testing of Hypersonic Vehicle Materials

This chapter presents an introduction to ground testing of thermal protection materials used to protect spacecraft and hypersonic vehicles. These test facilities must simulate the aerothermodynamic environments expected during flight. Often these tests have been done in arc-jet facilities. However, inductively coupled plasma torches can generate the relevant test flow field and have advantages. Guidance for using these facilities for thermal protection material performance verification and flight qualification are provided.