Impact resistant surface insulation tile for a space vehicle and associated protection method
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMichael K. Gubert, Daniel R. Bell, III, Duoc T. Tran, Karrie Ann Hinkle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An impact resistant insulation tile is provided that is capable of withstanding the impact of Micrometeriods and Other Debris (MMOD). The tiles are secured to an exterior surface of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). A durable coating is applied to the exterior surface of a thermally insulative layer to fragment and slow down MMOD that collide with the tile. In addition, a shock layer may be embedded within the thermal insulator to further reduce the size and speed of MMOD particles. A ballistic strain isolator pad may also be located between the thermal insulator and the RLV structure to capture fragmented particles.
Claims27
At least one tile secured to an exterior of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) for protecting said RLV from thermal and impact stresses due to particle impacts as well as thermal stresses due to the ambient environment comprising:
- a thermal insulator for shielding said RLV from ambient and impact thermal stresses,
- at least one outer coating disposed on an exterior surface of said thermal insulator for fragmenting particles upon impact,
- at least one embedded shock layer within and distinct from said thermal insulator for further fragmenting said particles, and
- a strain isolator pad disposed on an interior surface of said thermal insulator and attached to said space vehicle to accommodate for differences in expansion and deflection between said RLV and said tile as a result of thermal and aerodynamic loading.
At least one tile secured to an exterior of an RLV for protecting said RLV from physical stresses due to particle impacts as well as thermal stresses due to the ambient environment and particle impacts comprising:
- a thermal insulator for shielding said RLV from ambient and impact thermal stresses,
- an outer coating disposed on an exterior surface of said thermal insulator for fragmenting particles upon impact, and
- a ballistic strain isolator pad disposed between said tile and said RLV to capture fragmented particles and to accommodate for differences in expansion and deflection between said RLV and said tile as a result of thermal and aerodynamic loading.
A method for protecting an RLV from physical stresses due to particle impacts as well as thermal stresses due to the ambient environment and particle impacts comprising:
- initially fragmenting particles upon impact with a protective tile;
- further fragmenting said initially fragmented particles following propagation through an intermediate medium;
- capturing said further fragmented particles;
- and
- thermally insulating RLV from thermal stresses due to the ambient environment and said fragmenting during fragmenting and capturing of said particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.