Leonardo Luca MELLONE, Giuseppe Maria INFANTE, Mario De Stefano FUMO, Giuseppe Carmine RUFOLO
DOI Number: 10.60853/wfqf-mg41
Conference number: HiSST2024-00342
The objective of the work is to predict the value of the Steps and Gaps among the windward shingles that could be a critical issue for re-entry vehicle. To achieve this goal efficiently, a computational cost-saving approach was adopted through the use of a homogenized model. The windward TPS (Thermal Protection System) consists of flat and curved shingles, as well as complex Hinge TPS elements, connected to the structure with an attachment system designed for rigidity, flexibility, and thermal insulation. The presence of discontinuities like protuberances, cavities, gaps, or steps on the vehicle’s surface can impact the aerodynamic characteristics and heat transfer rates during high-speed flight, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. The optimization of the Standoff’s placement is crucial to mitigate in-flight deformations, which influence thermal flow behaviour and windward deformations. The homogenization process involves accurately defining the mechanical and thermal properties of the structural components, specifically the Standoff, through iterative tuning. The analyses focus on monitoring results along the shingle edges and deformations along the contour. The homogenized model simplifies the complex Standoff structure while maintaining accuracy, leading to reliable results in reduced timeframes. The obtained results were validated through cross-validation with three-dimensional models, reducing the maximum average error to a few tenths of a millimetre. Conventions for step and gap definitions were established, and an algorithm was developed to obtain outcomes within the local reference system of each curved shingle edge element. Despite the introduction of some approximation in the results, particularly for Steps, they are considered reliable when calculated as average values and are consistent with 3D models and reference literature.