Problem Definition: The products resulting from ablative processes at the gas-surface interface are mostly unknown with respect to their impact on the atmosphere. Numerical modelling is challenging due to the multi-physics and multiscale problem. Experiments have so far never been attempted and are challenging to be realized, because of the atmospheric environment to be experimentally simulated. The diagnostic setup is intended to be developed in ground testing facilities through a combination of optical diagnostics, e.g. spectrometers, high-speed cameras, photogrammetry and high-resolution imaging. This suite of instruments allows to investigate non-intrusively the development of ablative products in a flight relevant environment. The further development of the ablative products will then be studied starting from this ablation, so that known boundary conditions are available. Eventually, the data sets can fill the gap between the material scientist’s numerical approach and the environmental impact through dedicated instruments.
- Design of an experimental setup for assessment of the ablative products
- Development of a suitable diagnostics suite based on in-house available experimental methods
- Compilation of a data base of resulting ablation products affecting the atmosphere
- Understanding of the interaction of the materials with the atmosphere
- A quantifiable data set of ablative products resulting from these interactions; It will be the first time that this data is experimentally developed
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, ca. 2 months): requirements for experiments design
- von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium, ca. 3 months): modelling of ablation process
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