CONTROLLED ABLATION--A DRAG-MODULATION TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE BALLISTIC-VEHICLE DECELERATION LOADS DURING RE-ENTRY,
Abstract
A review of the literature revealed a mathematical analysis of drag modualtion as a means of reducing deceleration loads on a ballistic vehicle during re-entry into the atmosphere. A trajectory analysis based on these findings shows that drag modulation can produce up to 45% reduction in maximum deceleration during re-entry. By using this trajectory analysis and basic re-entry dynamics, it is shown that controlled ablation of the vehicle heat shield can be used to vary the drag coefficient, and thus control deceleration. An approximate analytical method of deteriming heat shield requirements is presented. The controlled-ablation, drag-modulation technique described is independent of any sensor or actuating mechanism and its reliability depends only upon the structural integrity of the vehicle and its reaction to aerodynamic forces. Use of this technique would permit larger reentry angles, which would yield definite advantages. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 24, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0426110
Entities
People
- J. M. Perkins