Timothy S.
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How low is Space Shuttle thermal protection's heat conductivity?
Thank you
Thank you
A similar demonstration was presented on a TV talk show in the US around 1980. This NASA engineer had a somewhat curve piece that fit over his forearm. As with what @Tom.G saw, a blow torch was applied to the outer surface for about 12 seconds while the engineer was wearing it. Studio lighting was too bright to see any glow. The material he was using was light, apparently multilayered, and no more than a couple of centimeters thick.Tom.G said:Many years ago I attended a talk by a NASA representative. He had a piece if the thermal tile used as the thermal shield on the Space Shuttle. ...
Over a number of years, I built/serviced/re-built a lot of the equipment used in the TPS (thermal protection system) fabrication facility at KSC. The guy who ran the facility loved to do that demo - he'd even do it for people who were lost and just asking for directions.Tom.G said:Many years ago I attended a talk by a NASA representative. He had a piece if the thermal tile used as the thermal shield on the Space Shuttle. The piece was a cube about 2 to 3 inches on a side. Based on its White color, and other public statements at the time, it was probably a ceramic aerogel.
He heated a spot on one surface with a propane blowtorch until it glowed Red. Then picked it up with his thumb and first finger on diagonal corners, thus showing its very low thermal conductivity. I don't recall that he gave any numbers though.
Name: LI-900 Rigid TileTimothy S. said:How low is Space Shuttle thermal protection's heat conductivity?