Cross Flow Angle Calculation for Thermal Protection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerodynamic heating inconsistencies in aerospace vehicle thermal protection systems, such as cavities and gap fillers, affect the aerodynamic characteristics and performance of vehicles during reentry, requiring accurate determination of cross flow angles for effective reworking and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a processor unit to determine cross flow angles by receiving location information, identifying flow information, and calculating the angle of fluid flow across features on the vehicle's surface, enabling rapid and accurate analysis of inconsistencies in thermal protection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal protection system materials and configuration are optimized for aerodynamic heating resistance, then heat protection performance is improved, but the complexity of inspecting and maintaining inconsistencies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection methods with an automated computer-based system that uses databases, processors, and graphical user interfaces to identify, analyze, and track inconsistencies in thermal protection system tiles. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with automated information processing reduces the complexity of maintenance while ensuring thorough inspection of aerodynamic heating surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and maintains a database that stores information about thermal protection system tiles, their locations, and any inconsistencies found. This digital copy allows for comprehensive tracking and analysis of tile conditions without requiring physical manipulation of each tile during inspection, thereby reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive inspection of thermal protection system inconsistencies is performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but the time required for inspection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual inspection procedures with an automated computer system that processes and analyzes tile information stored in a database. The system automatically identifies inconsistencies, determines their locations, and provides detailed analysis, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while significantly reducing the time required for comprehensive inspection of thermal protection system surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system that proactively identifies and tracks inconsistencies before they affect vehicle operation. By maintaining a database of tile information and using computational analysis, the system performs preliminary detection and classification of inconsistencies, allowing for planned maintenance scheduling that reduces inspection time while ensuring thorough coverage.
3Measurement precision
If manual analysis of cross flow parameters is performed, then calculation accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calculation methods with automated computer processing that uses mathematical models and algorithms to compute cross flow parameters. The system processes tile location data, orientation information, and flow characteristics through computational analysis, thereby maintaining high calculation accuracy while dramatically improving productivity and analysis speed for thermal protection system maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of tile information stored in databases to enable rapid computational analysis. By working with digitized location, orientation, and condition data rather than physical measurements, the system achieves both accurate cross flow parameter calculation and high processing speed, as the computer can quickly analyze stored information without the time constraints of manual measurement and computation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient reworking of inconsistencies by providing precise cross flow parameters, reducing time and improving accuracy in design and maintenance of aerospace vehicle thermal protection systems, especially during operational missions.
Implementation Method 1
Aerodynamic heating is the heating of a solid body produced by frictional interactions with the passage of fluid about the body. For example, aerodynamic heating occurs when air passes over an aerospace vehicle, such as a spacecraft or aircraft, during vehicle transit, ascent, descent, and reentry.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a cross flow angle for a feature on a structure. A processor unit receives location information identifying a location of the feature on the structure, determines an angle of the feature, identifies flow information for the location, determines a flow angle using the flow information, and determines the cross flow angle for the feature using the flow angle and the angle of the feature. The flow information describes a flow of fluid across the structure. The flow angle comprises an angle of the flow of fluid across the structure for the location of the feature.