Experimental Investigation on Local Aerothermodynamic Problems of Re-entry Vehicles in the Arc Heated Facilities LBK

Abstract

Experimental investigations on local aerothermodynamic phenomena of re-entry vehicles in the arc heated facilities LBK with the two test legs L2K and L3K are presented in this paper. After a short introduction the facility and its measurement techniques are described in the second and third chapters. The performance of both facilities, L2K and L3K, with respect to their reservoir conditions and model surface parameters are given in the fourth chapter. In chapter five the characterisation of the LBK hypersonic flow field by using experimental and numerical tools is presented. Results of different testing activities in LBK related to the development of the X-38 vehicle components in the frame of the German TETRA-Programme are discussed in chapter six. It has been demonstrated that arc heated facilities are the key tools for the qualification of hot components of re-entry vehicles in a realistic aerothermodynamic environment.