EXPERT aerothermodynamic flight instrumentation environment and integration

Paper number

IAC-06-D2.6.07

Author

Mr. Jean-Marie Muylaert, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Year

2006

Abstract

The paper reports on the aerothermodynamic (ATD) environment of the EXPERT configuration associated with the 5km/sec suborbital flight. A status report is given on the flight measurement technique developments and qualification with emphasis on the thermal protection system (TPS) integration issues. Special attention is given to the design of the flight measurement sensors themselves, their integration into the TPS as well as to the measurement of the free stream parameters during re-entry using an Air Data System (ADS).

The paper will address the numerical design work to optimise the location of sensors in order to enhance the phenomena of interest, such as; definition of nose radius so as to avoid contamination of the boundary layer due to passive/active oxidation of the nose thermal protection system, definition of the admissible step between nose and conical parts to avoid premature boundary layer transition, nonequilibrium maximum laminar heating on metallic PM1000 parts of the vehicle including effects of catalytic recombination validated through recent experiments in plasmatron, turbulent reattachment of separated boundary layer on the flaps and in the vicinity of the corners of these flaps. 
e.g. the paper will address how the mach number was selected as to trigger transition with the roughness elements and how the design was made taking into account the estimated overheating induced by the elements themselves. 
Finally an update will be given on the flight schedule. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-D2.6.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D2.6.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.