Evaluation of Candidate Thermal Protection System Materials for Indian Manned Mission Gaganyaan in Plasma Wind Tunnel Facility

摘要

During atmospheric reentry of a manned crew module, the vehicle experiences severe thermal environments due to aerodynamic heating. Protection of crew module necessitates thermal protection systems (TPS) which shield the vehicle structure from the extreme thermal environments. Ground based testing in Plasma Wind Tunnels play a vital role in selection and qualification of TPS for re-entry missions. Three candidate TPS materials identified for the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO are evaluated in Plasma Wind Tunnel facility under simulated reentry environments. Tests are conducted at expected peak heat flux and total heat load conditions and performance of materials are compared based on thermal response and material surface recession characteristics.