Title:

Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) and Hot Structures for Hypersonic Vehicles

Speaker:

Dr. David E. Glass, Senior Researcher

Affiliation:

Advanced Structural/Thermal Systems, Research Directorate, Langley Research Center

When:

Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11:00:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

MRDC Building, Room 4211

Host:

Dr. Satish Kumar
satish.kumar@me.gatech.edu
404-385-6640

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal protection systems (TPS) and hot structures are required for a range of hypersonic vehicles ranging from ballistic reentry to hypersonic cruise vehicles, both within Earth’s atmosphere and non-Earth atmospheres. The focus of this presentation is on air breathing hypersonic vehicles in the Earth’s atmosphere. This includes single-stage to orbit (SSTO) and two-stage to orbit (TSTO) accelerators, access to space vehicles, and hypersonic cruise vehicles. The presentation will include a brief discussion of aerodynamic heating and thermal management techniques to address the high heating, followed by an overview of TPS for rocket-launched and air-breathing vehicles. The argument is presented that as we move from rocket-based vehicles to air-breathing vehicles, we need to move away from the “insulated airplane’ approach used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter to a wide range of TPS and hot structure approaches. The primary portion of this talk will discuss issues and design options for CMC based TPS and hot structure components, including leading edges, acreage TPS, and control surfaces. The current state-of-the-art will be briefly discussed for some of the components. Environmental durability and technical challenges impacting the use of CMC TPS and hot structures for hypersonic vehicles will be discussed briefly.

Biography

Biography: Dr. Glass began his career at NASA Langley Research Center in 1988 and spent most of his career focused on thermal, structural, and material aspects of hypersonic vehicles. He has made significant contributions to many of the US hypersonic demonstrators over the past 30 years. Most of his effort has focused on refractory composite hot structures, utilizing carbon/carbon (C/C) and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for hot airframe structural components such as leading edges and control surfaces. He is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the area of hot structures for hypersonic vehicles. As the Senior Researcher for Advanced Structural/Thermal Systems, Dr. Glass is a technical leader in the development and application of highly advanced technologies for the assessment of structural and/or thermal performance of advanced air, space transportation, and planetary entry vehicles. The studies he performs represent major contributions to the Agency’s goal to provide world-class capability to more accurately and more rapidly predict structural performance and temperature characteristics for advanced aerospace structural concepts.

Notes

Refreshments will be served.