Theoretical and empirical low perigee aerodynamic heating during orbital flight of an atmosphere explorerThis document presents the results of an extensive, low perigee, orbital aerodynamic heating study undertaken in support of the Atmosphere Explorer-C Temperature Alarm. Based upon in-flight orbital temperature data from the Temperature Alarm tungsten resistance wire thermometer, aerodynamic heating rates have been determined for eight selected orbits by means of a reduced thermal analytical model verified by both ground test and flight data. These heating rates are compared with the classical free molecular and first order collision regime values. It has been concluded that, for engineering purposes, the aerodynamic heating rate of atmospheric gases at perigee altitudes between 170 and 135 km on pure tungsten wire is 30 to 60% of the value set by the classical free molecular limit. Relative to the more usual orbital thermal input attributable to direct solar radiation, the aerodynamic heating rate at the lowest altitude attempted with the spacecraft despun (135 km) is the equivalent of about 1.2 solar constants incident on a tungsten wire with a solar absorptivity of 0.85.
Document ID
19760052458
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Caruso, P. S., Jr. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Naegeli, C. R. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Institute, Meeting