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Kipp, H. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Kipp, H. W..

Some observations on the occurrence of striation heating

Various wind tunnel flow visualization techniques have revealed the presence of striations on the surface of both simple geometries and complex winged entry configurations over a wide range of test conditions. The striations are attributed to streamwise vortices embedded in the boundary layer which produce locally enhanced heating levels. Mechanisms for such vortex formation are suggested based on observation of their occurrence on the simple configurations. These mechanisms are then related to striations observed in the wind tunnel on windward surfaces, swept wing leading edges and on the side fuselage of winged entry bodies. Flight data obtained on the side fuselage of ASSET and Shuttle support the conclusions derived from wind tunnel results. Quantitative criteria for the appearance of striations resulting from some of these mechanisms are presented. It is shown that the presence of embedded vorticity may be a consideration in the design of thermal protection systems for advanced winged entry vehicles.

Kipp, H. W.↗

A study of leeside flow field heat transfer on Shuttle Orbiter configuration

A coupled inviscid and viscous theoretical solution of the flow about the entire configuration is the desirable and comprehensive approach to defining thermal environments about the space shuttle orbiter. Simplified methods for predicting entry heating on leeside surfaces of the orbiter are considered. Wind tunnel heat transfer and oil flow data at Mach 6 and 10 and Reynolds numbers ranging from 500,000 to 73 million were used to develop correlations for the wing upper surface and the top surface of the fuselage. These correlations were extrapolated to flight Reynolds number and compared with heating data obtained during the shuttle STS-2 reentry. Efforts directed toward the wing leeside surface resulted in an approach which generally agreed with the flight data. Heating predictions for the upper fuselage were less successful due to the extreme complexity of local flow interactions and the associated heating environment.

Baranowski, L. C.↗

Aerothermodynamic Assessment of Corrugated Panel Thermal Protection Systems

The feasibility of using corrugated panels as a thermal protection system for an advanced space transportation vehicle was investigated. The study consisted of two major tasks: development of improved correlations for wind tunnel heat transfer and pressure data to yield design techniques, and application of the design techniques to determine if corrugated panels have application future aerospace vehicles. A single-stage-to-orbit vehicle was used to assess advantages and aerothermodynamic penalties associated with use of such panels. In the correlation task, experimental turbulent heat transfer and pressure data obtained on corrugation roughened surfaces during wind tunnel testing were analyzed and compared with flat plate data. The correlations and data comparisons included the effects of a large range of geometric, inviscid flow, internal boundary layer, and bulk boundary layer parameters in supersonic and hypersonic flow.

Brandon, H. J.↗

Data correlation and analysis of arc tunnel and wind tunnel tests of RSI joints and gaps. Volume 1: Technical report

Heat transfer data measured in gaps typical of those under consideration for joints in space shuttle reusable surface insulation protection systems have been assimilated, analyzed and correlated. The data were obtained in four NASA facilities. Several types of gaps were investigated with emphasis on simple butt joints. Gap widths ranged from 0.07 to 0.7 cm and depths ranged from 1 to 6 cm. Laminar, transitional and turbulent boundary layer flows over the gap opening were investigated. Three-dimensional heating variations were observed within gaps in the absence of external flow pressure gradients. Heat transfer correlation equations were obtained for several of the tests. Thermal protection system performance with and without gaps was compared for a representative shuttle entry trajectory.

Christensen, H. E.↗

Data correlation and analysis of arc tunnel and wind tunnel tests of RSI joints and gaps. Volume 2: Data base

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine the aerodynamic heating created by gaps in the reusable surface insulation (RSI) thermal protection system (TPS) for the space shuttle. The effects of various parameters of the RSI on convective heating characteristics are described. The wind tunnel tests provided a data base for accurate assessment of gap heating. Analysis and correlation of the data provide methods for predicting heating in the RSI gaps on the space shuttle.

Christensen, H. E.↗