Aerospace Nuclear Safety Program EVALUATING AEROSHELL MATERIALS FOR THE MJS/MULTI-HUNDERD WATT HEAT SOURCE

摘要

In order to evaluate the possibility of improving upon an existing aeroshell design fur the Multi-Hundred Watt power source, a trade-off study was conducted on a variety of candidate aeroshell material. Mariner Jupiter/Saturn mission requirements and aeroshell material criteria were established to form a basis for the evaluation. Material data searches and reentry analyses were made to permit preparation of a quantitative comparison matrix. Depending upon the designer's constraints, either the well-known polycrysta11ine graphites (PIC0-AXF-5Q, ATJS) or the more complex composite materials (AVCO 3D C/C, Pyrocarb—406) may be chosen.