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ReWiG: A Resistive Wire Grid TPS recession sensor

Programme
TDE
Programme Reference
A00011742
Prime Contractor
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH "DEMOKRITOS"
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
Greece
ReWiG: A Resistive Wire Grid TPS recession sensor
Objectives

•Carry out a fresh documentary search of the publicly available reports on available TPS recession sensors (WP1)
•Carry out room temperature simulated recession (gradual cutting) tests on a number of sensor mesh and grid materials to ascertain geometric and material constraints and carry out a trade-off of materials and geometries (WP1)
•Carry out a series of simulated ablative recession tests using a high-temperature flame on specific sensors to check behavior and sensitivity of sensors, using cork or other appropriate material (WP2)
•Carry out 2 tests on P50 cork at a plasma-jet facility to ascertain the efficacy of the ReWiG concept under realistic conditions (WP2)
•Arrive at a decision on the “proof of concept” (TRL3) of the ReWiG sensor

Description

•Burn recession tests of ablators using oxy-acetylene flame and plasma-jet show that the ReWiG sensor is able to provide a distinguishable signal as the recession proceeds
•The use of a grid/foil combination can offer reliable temperature compensation enabling better definition of the recession signal
•The results of the tests indicate that the concept of using a grid/foil combination as a TPS recession sensor is highly promising and, with further development, it can offer reliable direct in-situ measurement and monitoring of the recession of ablative TPS during atmospheric entry.

Application Domain
GEN-Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
24 - Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Competence Domain
2-Structures, Mechanisms, Materials, Thermal
Initial TRL
TRL N/A
Target TRL
TRL N/A
Achieved TRL
TRL N/A
Public Document
Final Presentation