PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION, HEAT TRANSFER, AND DRAG TESTS ON THE GOODYEAR BALLUTE AT MACH 10

Abstract : Heat transfer and distribution tests were conducted on rigid models of the ballute, and drag measurements were obtained on flexible models which were either inflated with ram air or pre-inflated with a bladder. The flexible models were fabricated from a woven stainless steel cloth (Rene' 41 cloth) and impregnated with a silicone polymer to decrease porosity. The Reynolds number range investigated was from 0.36(10exp+6) to 1.80(10exp+6) per foot, and all data were obtained at zero angle of attack.