Aerodynamics » Thermal Protection
When the outer surface of a hypersonic vehicle or the inside surface of a rocket motor nozzle is subjected to high heat loads, chemical reaction and often particulate impact and erosion can occur.
FGE has developed response models, and undertaken experimental programs to determine material characteristics for method validation and extrapolation to flight.
As well as the thermochemical and thermophysical response which are generally carried out with 1D models FGE has developed a full 3D coupled thermal structural model for charring materials, allowing the direct assessment of thermal stresses in the TPS and substructure.
FGE have undertaken thermal protection system design assessment for atmospheric entry capsules for Earth, Mars, Venus and Titan.
FGE undertook Phase A aerodynamics/aerothermodynamics study for the Huygens Probe leading to mission selection for flight.