Recent Thermo-mechanical Test Series and Innovative Test Procedures

Abstract

To test structural components of reusable launch vehicles the DLR-Institute of Structural Mechanics developed the THERMEX test facilities and keeps improving them. First, challenging test series will be highlighted: (1) a rudder model heated up to 1175°C, (2) a strongly curved panel, a so-called nose skirt, under 1050°C, (3) cryogenic tank wall panels inside cooled down by liquid nitrogen and simultaneously outside heated up to 900°C. Second, new developments will be illustrated, e.g. testing of structures with complicated shapes under combined hot and cryogenic temperature loading or investigating kinematics of hot structures such as flaps or rudders. The modular assemblage concept will allow a variety of applications. Again, the hot gas test facility, part of the THERMEX assembly, will be used to combine thermal loading with aerodynamic pressure and flow as well as acoustic excitation.