The use of implanted radioactive tracers in nosetip ablators has been commonly used to measure the recession rate during atmospheric re-entry. With the newer graphites and carbon-carbon materials a nondestructive method of implanting the tracer was required. The present technique utilizes a method of manufacturing several radioactive tubes within the material using a finely collimated high energy proton beam from a linear accelerator. In developing this instrument, numerous high temperature tests were run in arc jet and rocket exhaust facilities to measure possible diffusion of the radioactive tracer tubes. Two flight tests have been completed with a single and a triple channel system. Length measurement accuracies of approximately 2,5 mm (0,1 in.) in 76 mm (3 in.) of ablation have been achieved.


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    Title :

    A re-entry vehicle nosetip shape change sensor


    Additional title:

    Fuehler fuer die Formaenderung der Nasenspitze am Raumfahrzeug beim Wiedereintritt in die Erdatmosphaere


    Contributors:
    Armini, A.J. (author) / Bunker, S.N. (author)

    Published in:

    ISA Transactions ; 15 , 1 ; 22-29


    Publication date :

    1976


    Size :

    8 Seiten, 14 Bilder, 6 Tabellen, 3 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English