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Heat Shield Employing Cured Thermal Protection Material Blocks Bonded in a Large-Cell Honeycomb MatrixA document describes a new way to integrate thermal protection materials on external surfaces of vehicles that experience the severe heating environments of atmospheric entry from space. Cured blocks of thermal protection materials are bonded into a compatible, large-cell honeycomb matrix that can be applied on the external surfaces of the vehicles. The honeycomb matrix cell size, and corresponding thermal protection material block size, is envisioned to be between 1 and 4 in. (.2.5 and 10 cm) on a side, with a depth required to protect the vehicle. The cell wall thickness is thin, between 0.01 and 0.10 in. (.0.025 and 0.25 cm). A key feature is that the honeycomb matrix is attached to the vehicle fs unprotected external surface prior to insertion of the thermal protection material blocks. The attachment integrity of the honeycomb can then be confirmed over the full range of temperature and loads that the vehicle will experience. Another key feature of the innovation is the use of uniform-sized thermal protection material blocks. This feature allows for the mass production of these blocks at a size that is convenient for quality control inspection. The honeycomb that receives the blocks must have cells with a compatible set of internal dimensions. The innovation involves the use of a faceted subsurface under the honeycomb. This provides a predictable surface with perpendicular cell walls for the majority of the blocks. Some cells will have positive tapers to accommodate mitered joints between honeycomb panels on each facet of the subsurface. These tapered cells have dimensions that may fall within the boundaries of the uniform-sized blocks.
Document ID
20120011903
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Zell, Peter
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 2012
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, July 2012
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
ARC-16018-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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