To characterise the behaviour of critical materials and structures during uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry events, closing major knowledge gaps for the on-ground casualty risk estimation

 

Ceramic and glass materials as well as multi-material structures behaviour during uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry events need to be characterized.

 

Ceramic materials (sic) show great resistance to the Plasma Wind Tunnel (PWT) conditions. The potential fragmentation of ceramic structures can increase significantly the casualty risk of re-entry events. This is key for the estimation of the on-ground casualty risk of Satellites with optical payloads. Furthermore the behaviour of glass materials in a reentry flow, today modeled as metals, requires characterization and modeling.

 

Another major uncertainty is the potential reaction between materials, e.g. Ejecta of surrounding metallic materials (analysis of re-entered tank might suggest that a reaction between Aluminum alloy and Titanium alloy might occur during re-entry), metallic frames and electronic boards.

 

The tasks foreseen during this activity are the following:

? PWT and thermo-physical tests at material level to characterise the complete portfolio of ceramics and glasses used by European Space Industry.

? PWT tests at shapes and structural level to determine the potential fragmentation induced by thermal stresses.

? Implement fragmentation and demise mechanisms/behaviours in re-entry models.

? Recommendations for the design of ceramic parts taking into account re-entry requirements.

? Investigate reaction between multi-material structures in Plasma environment.

? Test critical materials and structures foreseen to be used by LEO ESA mission.

? ESTIMATE database shall be populated with the material and structures properties.