Infrared Sensing Aeroheating Flight Experiment
Abstract
The validation of experimental and computational predictive techniques is essential for the success of future space transportation technology development. Conservatism in design must be eliminated or minimized to enable low cost space transportation. The aerodynamic and aeroheating disciplines are the drivers for vehicle design and provide critical inputs to other disciplines such as control system design, materials, and structures. Aerodynamic and aeroheating data provide the input for thermal protection system (TPS) material selection and sizing, which must represent the minimum weight to ensure survivability and reusability. For autonomous landing vehicles, the aerodynamic performance and margins must be known precisely throughout the entire flight trajectory. To achieve these goals of optimum design of future RLV's, reduced vehicle design cycle time, and to enhance U.S. space launch competitiveness, designers must have highly accurate, calibrated and validated tools for prediction of aerodynamic performance and aeroheating characteristics. Aerothermodynamic flight data provides the ultimate means for tool validation. Once validated, these tools may be used with confidence for the next generation of RLV's and vehicles such as military spaceplanes, and Shuttle Orbiters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 27, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA383157
Entities
People
- Alan Tietjen
- Don Dawson
- Jadean Wendt
- Michael Lovern
- Rolf Ahlgreen
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command