Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1714259 | Acta Astronautica | 2016 | 8 Pages |
•The platelet heat-pipe-cooled leading edge is discussed for the thermal management of hypersonic leading edge.•A numerical model is presented to analyze the behavior of the heat-pipe-cooled thermal protection structure.•The temperature and pressure of heat pipe predicted is helpful to the design to avoid dry-out.•The thermal protection structure can effectively maintain a nearly isothermal condition over the surface of leading edge.
A new design, the platelet heat-pipe-cooled leading edge, is discussed for the thermal management to prevent damage to hypersonic vehicle leading edge component. For calculating the steady state behavior of platelet heat-pipe-cooled leading edge, a numerical model based on the principles of evaporation, convection, and condensation of a working fluid is presented. And then its effectiveness is validated by comparing the wall and vapor temperature against experimental data for a conventional heat pipe. Further investigations indicate that alloy IN718, with sodium as the working fluid is a feasible combination for Mach 8 flight with a 15 mm leading edge radius.