Thermal protection system ablation sensor

Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system in a specific environment – Electrical signal parameter measurement system

Reexamination Certificate

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C702S033000, C702S034000, C702S035000, C702S065000, C702S130000, C702S132000, C702S133000, C702S136000, C606S021000, C606S032000, C606S034000, C606S041000, C600S549000

Reexamination Certificate

active

08069001

ABSTRACT:
An isotherm sensor tracks space vehicle temperatures by a thermal protection system (TPS) material during vehicle re-entry as a function of time, and surface recession through calibration, calculation, analysis and exposed surface modeling. Sensor design includes: two resistive conductors, wound around a tube, with a first end of each conductor connected to a constant current source, and second ends electrically insulated from each other by a selected material that becomes an electrically conductive char at higher temperatures to thereby complete an electrical circuit. The sensor conductors become shorter as ablation proceeds and reduced resistance in the completed electrical circuit (proportional to conductor length) is continually monitored, using measured end-to-end voltage change or current in the circuit. Thermocouple and/or piezoelectric measurements provide consistency checks on local temperatures.

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Oishi, et al., Development and Application of a TPS Ablation Sensor for Flight, 46th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Jan. 7-10, 2008, Reno, Nevada.
Cassanto, A Simple Recession Gage for Inflight Measurement of the Char Degradation Zone for Re-Entry Vehicle Heat Shields, Proceeds of the 26th International Instrumentation Symposium, May 5-8, 1980, Seattle, Washington, Instrument Society of America.

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