Characterization of Thermal Protection Systems: An Analysis of Optical & Thermal PropertiesThermal Protection System Materials & thermal control coatings were characterized by a variety of methodologies including heat flow meter method (HFM), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultra-Violet & Visible light spectroscopy (UV-VIS). Physical properties were measured to aid in the construction of thermal response models for a number a projects including MEDLI and MEDLI2. Comparing pre-flight predictions with actual flight data can allow for a reduction of margins and improve designs. The models enable design of TPS for flight missions and analysis of flight data to understand aerothermal environments experienced on the mission. This presentation reveals critical information: heat capacity (cp vs T), thermal conductivity ( vs T), and emissivity (E vs T) for Super Lightweight Ablative (SLA), Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablative (PICA-D), & Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET). These properties were also measured for various thermal control coatings manufactured by AZ Technology. A portion of this work is incomplete and highlights questions to investigate in the future.
Document ID
20190029002
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Cole, Brian (Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. Hampton, VA, United States)
Feldman, Jay (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gasch, Matthew (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2019
Publication Date
August 8, 2019
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And PerformanceComposite Materials