Phenomena encountered by the thermal protection materials during Hermes reentry
Abstract
The possible use of silicon carbide as a component in the heat protection materials for the Hermes spacecraft is discussed. The physical processes of reentry are reviewed, and the thermal protection requirements for Hermes are outlined. Problems associated with the use of SiC with Hermes are examined, including the oxidation and nitridation of SiC and the emissivity and catalytic activity of Hermes candidate materials.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report A
- Pub Date:
- December 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988STIA...8929274B
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Entry;
- Hermes Manned Spaceplane;
- Silicon Carbides;
- Spacecraft Construction Materials;
- Spacecraft Reentry;
- Thermal Protection;
- Aerothermodynamics;
- Catalytic Activity;
- Heat Flux;
- Nitriding;
- Oxidation;
- Stagnation Point;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer