Thermomechanical Behavior of Damaged TPS Including Hypersonic Flow Effects

Abstract

The thermomechanical behavior of damaged space shuttle tile thermal protection system (TPS) is considered. The effects of damage on the thermal protection capability and the induced thermal stresses in the TPS are examined by comparing the thermal and structural response of the damaged configurations with the undamaged configurations. The TPS is subjected to the re-entry heating and pressure profile, and the transient temperature distribution and the resultant thermal stresses in the system are computed using finite element analysis. Three different damage sizes are considered. The validity of the simplifying assumptions is systematically examined. Certain assumptions are relaxed and their effects on the system response are determined. Thermal loads based on high speed flow past a cavity are also incorporated to provide a more accurate model. Damage changes the surface properties of the tile, which significantly reduces the radiation heat loss from the surface of the tile. It also alters the flow field and thus the thermal loads sustained by the TPS, resulting in elevated temperatures. The elevated temperatures combined with the stress concentrations induced by the damage increases the thermal stresses. Results indicate that damage is capable of elevating the maximum temperature in the tile to beyond its melting point and cause structural failure.

Preparation and thermodynamic analysis of the porous ZrO2/(ZrO2 + Ni) functionally graded bolted joint

“…It should be noted that, the material parameters for ZrO 2 and Ni were only experimentally tested at some discrete temperature points, while the parameters that have not been measured at other temperatures will be given by interpolation in the simulations. The material constants in each composition, such as elastics modulus, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), specific heat and Poisson's ratio are calculated as follows [32,33]:…”

“…Heat shorts may lead the interior part of the fuselage structure to an extreme high temperature, severely influencing the heat insulation property of the TPS. In the process of service, the TPS has to withstand not only thermal loads, but also mechanical loads as well as harsh chemical environments, repeatedly without failure [2]. Therefore, in the study of the TPS, the analysis of heat shorts effect and the use of high temperature resistant joints with high strength are indispensable.…”

Dynamic Characteristics and Damage Detection of a Metallic Thermal Protection System Panel Using a Three-Dimensional Point Tracking Method and a Modal Assurance Criterion

“…A vehicle’s fuselage can be exposed to more extreme thermal, pressure, and impact loads if a TPS panel becomes damaged [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Thus, the TPS panel must be in good condition before launch because of its critical role in protecting the vehicle’s structures, subsystems, and even humans.…”

Design and analysis of the porous ZrO 2 /(ZrO 2 +Ni) ceramic joint with load bearing–heat insulation integration

“…Heat shorts may lead the interior part of the fuselage structure to an extreme high temperature, severely degrading the heat insulation property of the TPS. In the process of service, the TPS has to bear not only thermal loads, but also mechanical loads as well as harsh chemical environments, repeatedly without failure [2]. Therefore, in the study of the TPS, the analysis of heat shorts effect and the use of high temperature resistant joints with high strength are indispensable.…”