NASA NTRS · 20240005106
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Jose Santos, Josh Monk. Arc Jet Test Article Instrumentation. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240005106
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
The second-generation miniature Arc jet Research Chamber (mARC II) at NASA Ames Research Center produces small-scale high enthalpy flows relevant for entry systems ground testing. This facility is aimed at applications such as new arc jet flow diagnostics and new arc column diagnostics. The mARC system has previously been shown capable of delivering heat fluxes between 800 and 1900 W/cm2. New work shows that the facility is also capable of delivering heat fluxes as low as 200 W/cm2.
A review of the current facility capabilities for testing Thermal Protection Systems and quantifying their entry environments at NASA Ames Research Center is presented based on the expected targets of interest to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology communities. While the operational capabilities of these facilities are generally considered sufficient for supporting future missions to targets of interest, expanded ground test capabilities such as larger sample sizes, flight-relevant gas mixtures, dusty environments, and flight-relevant shear/pressure combinations would reduce future entry vehicle design uncertainties and applied margins. These reduced uncertainties may translate into reduced entry vehicle masses, increased robustness, and decreased operational risks during entry phases for science missions. Expanded ground test capabilities would also offer the ability to study material failure modes in environments even more representative of flight than are currently achievable. A list of desired future test capabilities is presented along with suggestions of possible methods of achieving each. The main recommendation of this paper is the undertaking of a detailed study of the benefits and associated costs of each of these expanded capabilities to determine the best future path.
The second-generation Miniature Arc jet Research Chamber (mARC II) at NASA Ames is undergoing integrated systems testing. Once fully operational, this facility will be added to the range of available test facilities operated by the NASA Ames Thermophysics Facilities Branch, with primary focus on applications such as new arc jet flow diagnostics and new arc column diagnostics. Initial characterization of the mARC II is reported here, specifically, measured arc current, arc voltage, column and chamber pressures, mass flow rates, and initial emission measurements carried out at a range of conditions.