To match conditions similar to those expected from the high speed flight, a blowtorch will be used to heat small samples while a thermocouple will monitor the surface temperature of the materials. After the test we will also be measuring the samples to estimate the ablation. A stand has been built to hold the propane blowtorch at a specific distance from the samples and a remote trigger mechanism allows operators to be a safe distance from the blowtorch and sample.
The tests will be performed in a secure environment (blast chamber) and the operators will wear respirators during the tests. In order to determine which ablatives to use for our nose cone (and as a helpful guide for future purposes), we are setting up a test rig that uses a propane blowtorch to heat small samples of fiberglass. This document from Apogee Components was used as inspiration for this test procedure. Apogee Newsletter
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