Wind Tunnel / Arc Jet Re-Compete Potential Bidders Conference10-28-03

Aerospace Directorate

Space Technology Division

Thermophysics Facilities BranchScott Eddlemon, Deputy Chief

Space Technology Division Mission Statement

• The Space Technology Division develops data bases, physical models, computer codes, and technologies which enable execution of agency and national missions involving space.

• These technologies include thermal protection systems for space launch vehicles, planetary entry probes; life support systems; human extravehicular systems; IR sensors, and cryogenic coolers.

• Data bases and models are developed for advances in the fields of astrophysics, Earth, and Life Sciences.

• Support of the Agency work in aeronautics is provided in the fields of scramjet propulsion in the range from Mach 8 - 16 and by developing thermochemistry data bases required to model combustion processes in air-breathing subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic engines.

• Technology transfer to the U.S. space industry is of utmost importance to the division as is its dual-use to ensure U.S. economic competitiveness.

APOLLO

SPACE SHUTTLE

NASP

X-33

X-34

DC-XA

BLUNT BODY CONCEPT(H. Allen)

PAET

PIONEER-VENUS VIKING

AFEMAGELLAN

GALILEO

MARS PATHFINDER

RLV• VentureStar

• X-37••

PLANETARY• StarDust

• Mars Aerocapture• Mars Sample Return

• “Fast” Neptune• HEDS

Sharp BodyConcept

NASA Entry Vehicles and Missions Supported

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

Thermophysics Facilities Branch

Mission Statement• The safe operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the Thermophysics Facilities at ARC. These facilities consist of:– Arc Jet Complex

• Panel Test Facility (PTF)• Aerodynamic Heating Facility (AHF)• Interactive Heating Facility (IHF)• Steam Vacuum System (SVS)• Power Supplies (20 & 60 MW)• Arc Jet Air System (AJAS)

– Range Complex• Hypervelocity Free-Flight Aerodynamic Facility (HFFAF)• Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST)• Ames Vertical Gun Range (AVGR)

• The ASF facilities support national programs by providing ground-based high enthalpy simulation capabilities to support R&D activities in aerothermodynamics, thermal protection materials, vehicle structures, and hypersonic propulsion.

Thermophysics Facilities BranchPrimary Facilities

• Arc Jet Complex• Panel Test Facility (PTF)• Aerodynamic Heating Facility (AHF)• Interactive Heating Facility (IHF)

• Support Systems• Steam Vacuum System (SVS) • 60 Mwatt Power Supply• 20 Mwatt Power Supply• Arc Jet Air System (AJAS)

• Ballistic Ranges and Shock Tubes• Hypervelocity Free Flight Facility (HFFF)• Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST)• Ames Vertical Gun Range (AVGR)

Arc Jet Complex Aerial View

• The Ames Arc Jet Complex has a long heritage in TPS development for every Agency Space Transportation and Planetary program, including Apollo, Space Shuttle, Viking, Pioneer-Venus, Galileo, and Mars Pathfinder.

• Presently on the critical path for X-37, Shuttle Upgrades, Gen2, Mars Exploration, Discovery, New Frontiers…

• The Complex is currently operating at production rates averaging ~400 test runs per year.

• Single Shift operations.

Arc Jet Complex

Arc Jet Air System

The Arc Jet Air System “AJAS" provides high pressure air services (3000 [psi]) to the Arc Jet Complex. The compressor is a 4000 [hp] electric motor driven compressor located at building N-250, with pumping rates of ~10 [lbm/sec], coupled with ~7 M [scf] of high pressure storage. High pressure air distribution to the Arc Jet Complex as well as other test facilities on Center is performed using a data acquisition and control system located at the central control room located at N-229A

Steam Vacuum System

• The SVS provides vacuum services to Arc Jet Complex, and the Aeolian Research Facility.

• Vacuum for the Arc Jet complex is created by a five stage steam ejector pumping system driven by a M-Type Babcox and Wilcox naval propulsion boiler.

• Vacuum services to Arc Jet facilities are supplied from the north and south plenum of the steam vacuum system which interface buildings N-234 and N-238. Flow rates at both plenums at 100 [microns Hg] are .5 [lbm/sec].

• The Hypervelocity Free-Flight Aerodynamic Facility (HFFAF) is used for research on gasdynamics of atmospheric entry. High relative speeds are achieved by launching models from high-speed guns into a counter current airstream driven by a combustion powered shock tube.

• The Ames Vertical Gun Range (AVGR) is used to simulate the planetary impact cratering phenomena. The facility utilizes various model launching guns that can achieve impact velocities up to 8 [km/sec].

• The Electric Arc Shock Tube Facility (EAST) is used to investigate the effects of radiation and ionization during planetary entries. The driven section of the facility is supplied by a 1.25 [MJ] capacitor storage system.

• Single Shift Operations utilizing Roaming Crew Operations

Range Complex