Estimating the Thermal State of a Blunted Wedge in a High-Velocity Gas Flow

Abstract

The paper considers the possibility of using refractory oxide materials in thermal protection designed for those structural components of high-velocity atmospheric aircraft that are subjected to significant thermal loading. We present numerical analysis results concerning the thermal state of an acute wedge with a blunted edge positioned in a high-velocity airflow and made of aluminium and zirconium oxides. We studied a wedge featuring a small blunt radius at a range of altitudes and determined which flight velocities do not lead to the aerodynamic heating temperature in the wedge exceeding the melting point of its materials.