New and Enhanced Research Infrastructure (RPA Pilot / Seed Project)

Understanding the effects of extreme flow environments on thermal protection systems (TPS) is a pressing area of research. Traditional testing methods, like arc-jet tests, face issues like uncharacterized flows and contamination. New approaches include subsonic high-enthalpy facilities and integrated computational fluid dynamics for better simulation and understanding. Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) torches are pivotal in simulating hypersonic conditions, aiding in material development and aerodynamics understanding. Recently, UK purchased a baseline ICP torch to fulfill that purpose. This proposal seeks funding to upgrade the facility with a more performant vacuum pump as well as two hypersonic nozzles. This new equipment will greatly expand the testing envelope of the system, both in terms of pressure and heat flux, and thus open new avenues for testing.