Large thermal protection system panel
First Claim
1. A protective panel for a reusable launch vehicle, the protective panel comprising:
- an outer ceramic matrix composite (CMC) panel for isolating the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures;
an insulative bag assembly coupled to the outer CMC panel for isolating the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures and moisture; and
a standoff attachment system for attaching the outer CMC panel and the bag assembly to a tank wall of the launch vehicle.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A protective panel for a reusable launch vehicle provides enhanced moisture protection, simplified maintenance, and increased temperature resistance. The protective panel includes an outer ceramic matrix composite (CMC) panel, and an insulative bag assembly coupled to the outer CMC panel for isolating the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures and moisture. A standoff attachment system attaches the outer CMC panel and the bag assembly to the primary structure of the launch vehicle. The insulative bag assembly includes a foil bag having a first opening shrink fitted to the outer CMC panel such that the first opening and the outer CMC panel form a water tight seal at temperatures below a desired temperature threshold. Fibrous insulation is contained within the foil bag for protecting the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures. The insulative bag assembly further includes a back panel coupled to a second opening of the foil bag such that the fibrous insulation is encapsulated by the back panel, the foil bag, and the outer CMC panel. The use of a CMC material for the outer panel in conjunction with the insulative bag assembly eliminates the need for waterproofing processes, and ultimately allows for more efficient reentry profiles.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A protective panel for a reusable launch vehicle, the protective panel comprising:
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an outer ceramic matrix composite (CMC) panel for isolating the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures;
an insulative bag assembly coupled to the outer CMC panel for isolating the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures and moisture; and
a standoff attachment system for attaching the outer CMC panel and the bag assembly to a tank wall of the launch vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)
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13. An insulative bag assembly for a reusable launch vehicle protective panel, the bag assembly comprising:
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a foil bag having a first opening shrink fitted to an outer panel such that the first opening and the outer panel form a water tight seal at temperatures below a desired temperature threshold;
fibrous insulation contained within the foil bag for protecting the launch vehicle from elevated temperatures; and
a back panel coupled to a second opening of the foil bag such that the fibrous insulation is encapsulated by the back panel, the foil bag, and the outer panel.
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17. A method for fabricating a reusable launch vehicle protective panel, the method comprising the steps of:
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heating a foil bag and an outer ceramic matrix composite (CMC) panel to a predetermined stretching temperature, the stretching temperature defining a temperature threshold at which the foil bag expands to a circumference that is greater than a circumference of an attachment surface of the outer CMC panel;
positioning a first opening of the foil bag around the attachment surface of the outer CMC panel; and
cooling the foil bag and the outer CMC panel to a predetermined shrinking temperature, the shrinking temperature defining a temperature threshold at which the foil bag attempts to retract to a circumference that is less than the circumference of the attachment surface.
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Specification