Arcjet Tests of Different Gap-Filler Options for the Orion PICA HeatshieldPICA (Phenolic Infiltrated Carbon Ablator) is one of the candidate thermal protection materials for the Orion vehicle. Because PICA is fabricated in blocks, gaps exist between the blocks, similar to the individual ceramic tiles of the Shuttle thermal protection system. The results of this work focus on arcjet test results of different gap-filler options for PICA, performed as part of the Orion TPS Advanced Development Project. The arcjet tests were performed at NASA Ames Research Center on stagnation models 4 inches in diameter at conditions representative of Orion flight conditions for both Lunar and Low Earth Orbit return. Performance of gap-filler options was evaluated based on the extent of backface temperature change, as compared to PICA without gaps, and on the extent of flow penetration into the gap, evident from the gap opening and widening.
Document ID
20090036809
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Skokova, Kristina (Eloret Corp. Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Ellerby, Donald (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Blosser, Max (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Venkatapathy, Ethiraj (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Bouslog, Stan (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Reuther, James (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
June 22, 2009
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN336TSM-0007
Meeting Information
Meeting: National Space and Missiles Materials SymposiumNational Space and Missiles Materials Symposium