Dynamic oxidation of TPS materials for reusable space vehicles using arc-heated wind tunnel

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K06892
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Aerospace engineering
• Research Institution: Tokyo City University
• Principal Investigator: MOMOZAWA Ai 東京都市大学, 工学部, 准教授 (70575597)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: アーク加熱風洞 / 再突入環境 / 熱防御システム / 動的酸化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to investigate of the oxidation behaviors of Thermal Protection System (TPS) for space planes, the development of the arc-heated wind tunnel was conducted. ZrN, TiN, TiCN coatings were applied on the Zr cathode using ion plating method and Cu-Cr alloy was coated on the Cu anode expecting for reducing of the electrodes erosion. Pre-heating of the cathode with laser was also effective for preventing the erosion. Dynamic oxidation of the TPS were conducted using laser driven plasma wind tunnel.

Free Research Field

航空宇宙工学，材料工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果によって，実験室レベルで宇宙往還機の耐熱タイルの再突入による酸化の模擬が可能となる．それに伴い熱防御システムの開発が進み，大気圏再突入ミッションの発展に大きく貢献することが予想される．それに伴い，宇宙空間を利用した長距離極超音速旅客機の実現性も高まる．また，本研究で開発した装置により大気圏再突入環境模擬のみならず，火星などCO2を大気として持つ惑星ミッションに応用可能である．