Thermal Design Principles of Spacecraft and Entry Bodies

Book excerpt: Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics, Volume 21: Thermal Design Principles of Spacecraft and Entry Bodies is a collection of technical papers drawn mainly from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Third Thermophysics Specialist Conference, held in Los Angeles, California on June 24-26, 1968 This volume is divided into three parts. The first part covers some aspects of thermal processes and design, including thermal analysis, convection, radiation, ablation, and space rocket effects. The second part surveys the remote measurements of the thermophysical and thermal radiation properties and joint conductance, which are critical criteria for space thermal design. The third part focuses on the space environmental effects on thermal coatings. This part deals first with the theory of radiative degradation, followed by a presentation of the laboratory measurements. This part also looks into the results of several flight experiments. This book will be of great value to thermophysicists, space engineers, and designers who are working in the space science fields.