FINITE-ELEMENT THERMAL ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES WITH REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION.

Earl A. Thornton, Kumar K. Tamma

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A finite-element approach for efficient thermal analysis of structures with thermal protection systems (TPS) is described. The elements are developed for applications to reusable surface insulation (RSI), but the approach is applicable to other TPS. New two-dimensional finite elements are developed to model conduction in the TPS and supporting structure. The performance of the TPS/structural element is demonstrated for a Shuttle wing truss subjected to re-entry heating. The results indicate that the approach predicts detailed structural temperature distributions with significant reductions in model size and computer time. The approach offers potential for extension to more complex three-dimensional structures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProgress in Astronautics and Aeronautics
EditorsHoward E. Collicott, Paul E. Bauer
PublisherAIAA
Pages281-304
Number of pages24
ISBN (Print)0915928752
StatePublished - 1983

Publication series

NameProgress in Astronautics and Aeronautics
Volume86
ISSN (Print)0079-6050

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'FINITE-ELEMENT THERMAL ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES WITH REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this