The heat shield of Hermes space plane has been designed by using rigid composite shingles and flexible static seals. The main technical and functional requirements were: to fill gaps, to allow air venting and to insulate. In order to fulfill these requirements a baseline concept was chosen for the seals, an elastic core made of fibrous mats and braided envelope. The selection of fibre material was made among ceramic, alumina and silica-alumina fibres. A 3D braiding technology has been developed in order to make a continuous seal to encircle the shingle and to avoid gaps between the seal and the shingle flanges. An experimental characterisation of the seals has been carried out by simulation of their main functions which are: compression an elasticity, thermal properties and heat transfer, air permeability, water repellent efficiency. In accordance with the load requirements of the baseline concept, the characterisation of the seals allowed us to select an alumina fibre (Saffil) for the core and an alumina-silica yarn (Nextel 440) for the envelope.
High temperature static seals for space vehicles
Hochtemperaturfeste statische Dichtmassen für Raumfähren
Spacecraft Structures, Materials & Mechanical Testing, International Conference, European Space Agency, 1996 ; 1287-1295
1996
9 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 8 Tabellen
Conference paper
English
High-temperature static seals for space vehicles
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