Project Title:

Space Flight Gas Temperature Probe

13.08-8581C
Space Flight Gas Temperature Probe
Remtech Inc.
2603 Artie Street, Suite 21
Huntsville
AL
35805
Bender
R. L.
NAS8-37258
Amount:   
MSFC
NAS8-35277

Abstract:

   A double-shielded, multi-sensor gas temperature probe with a thermalsink base is proposed to provide accurate measurement of the Orbiter base region
gas temperature during Shuttle ascent.  This component of the ascent environment
was not successfully measured during Shuttle development flights.  Research established
the technical feasibility of the multi-sensor concept and provided preliminary design
data for a probe configuration which meets the thermal responsiveness and accuracy
requirements.  Measurements of base gas temperatures of 3450R at high altitude (low
density) can be achieved.  The design will be finalized based upon the results of
thermal and structural development tests to be performed by REMTECH.  Two flight
qualified probes will be fabricated and deliverable for acceptance tests.  The flight
probe will be flown on a future Shuttle flight and provide gas temperature data which,
in conjunction with the heating rate measurement, will define heat transfer coefficients
at critical base locations.  Knowledge of the heat transfer coefficient is essential
to complete understanding of the flowfield and for scaling of test data to future
designs of Shuttle derivative launchvehicles.