Dear Folks,
I am wondering what are characteristic of heat shield tiles of the shuttle would be. First it needs to have a high heat insulation as well
as high heat dissipation. I guess it must be quite porous and fully crystalline.
Am I having any misunderstanding? Please correct me.
Thanks SC
The tiles on the bottom of the shuttle are quite simple. They are comprised of high purity silica with a porosity around 90%. Because of the low solids content, heat transfer is dominated by thermal conductivity of the gas within the pores. This material works well for the belly of the spacecraft as structural characteristics are not of key importance. The carbon-carbon composites are used for the leading edges of the vessel.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required