Structural active cooling applications for the Space Shuttle.Analytic and experimental studies have been conducted to evaluate a number of active cooling approaches to structural thermal protection for the Space Shuttle. The primary emphasis was directed toward the thermal protection system. Trade study results are presented for various heat shield material and TPS arrangements. Both metallic and reusable surface insulation (RSI) concepts were considered. Active systems heat sinks consisted of hydrogen, phase change materials, and expendable water. If consideration is given only to controlling the surface temperature, passive TPS was found to provide the most efficient system. Use of active cooling which incorporates some interior temperature control made the thermally less efficient RSI system more attractive.
Document ID
19720055479
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Masek, R. V.
Niblock, G. A. (McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. St. Louis, Mo., United States)
Huneidi, F. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Astronautics Laboratory, Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1972
Subject Category
Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
ASME PAPER 72-ENAV-32
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Conference
Location: San Francisco, CA
Start Date: August 14, 1972
End Date: August 16, 1972
Sponsors: American Society of Mechanical Engineers