Characterization and Modeling of Low Density TPS Materials for Recovery Vehicles

This paper describes characterization and modeling studies of Acusil-I, a moderate density (ρ = 480 kg/m³) filled silicone in phenolic fiberglass honeycomb, which is an appropriate TPS material for the forward face of a blunt reentry vehicle. Laboratory tests were conducted to verify the fundamental thermophysical, thermochemical, and optical properties of the material and arc plasma experiments at representative reentry aerothermal boundary conditions on samples with in-depth thermocouples provided data on material thermal and ablation performance. The paper describes how the laboratory and arc plasma data are employed in the development of an accurate thermal/ablation model which can be used confidently for TPS design.