Evaluation of thermal prediction methods for advanced missile structures

Abstract

Orlando Aerospace [ r Donald B. Paul** Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Aerodynamic Heating Prediction Methods Thermal prediction methods used for missile structural analysis inherently contain a finite amount of conservatism. While some conservatism is desirable, too much will cause overdesign and inefficiency. Current thermal analysis techniques are examined through direct comparison with flight test data to determine the amount of conservatism which is inherent in these techniques. Selected thermal models of missile structure are utilized to assess the sensitivity of structural temperature to various heat transfer parameters and to recommend procedures for determining missile structure temperatures.