Wind Tunnel Tests of the Space Shuttle Foam Insulation with Simulated Debonded Regions

Abstract

The tests were conducted to investigate the survivability of the external tank protection system with a hole in the insulation caused by area debonding and insulation tear-out. The material samples were tested using the wedge technique. The tests were run at a free-stream Mach No. 10 and a free stream total temperature of 1900 R. The wedge angle was varied to provide test conditions which were representatives of those expected during launch. Selected results are presented to illustrate the test techniques and typical data obtained.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA108079

Entities

People

  • A. S. Hartman
  • D. W. Stallings

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Cameras
  • Coefficients
  • Engineering
  • Free Stream
  • Heat Transfer
  • Heat Transfer Coefficients
  • Instrumentation
  • Lightning Protection
  • Materials
  • Materials Testing
  • Measurement
  • Photographic Materials
  • Photographs
  • Photography
  • Test Facilities
  • Wind Tunnels

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster