Development of an Aeroballistic Range Capability for Testing Re-Entry Materials

Abstract

Concentrated efforts in such areas as model launching techniques, test environment simulation, and specialized instrumentation have resulted in the emergence of the AEDC-VKF 1000-ft Hyperballistic Range (G) as a viable and versatile facility for testing re-entry materials. Its launch capability, long flight length, variable pressure capability, specialized instrumentation, and capability to provide several types of erosive test environments (e.g., rain, dust, snow) make Range G well suited for ablation, erosion, and heat-transfer testing. Eight laser photographic systems and three image-converter camera, photopyrometry systems provide in-flight measurements of nose-tip recession and surface temperature. These measurements, along with others characterizing the erosive environments, provide the primary data, and use of specially developed analytical procedures and testing techniques allow thorough evaluation of various materials as candidates for re-entry vehicle applications.