4007 Multidimensional P-Version Finite Element For Atmospheric Re-entry Vehicle Using Ablative TPS

Abstract

This paper presents a thermal p-version multidimensional finite element for ablative materials which can be applied to the simple thermal structural analysis of an atmospheric re-entry vehicle's ablative thermal protection system. As with a general thermal shell element, a user of this element can set the initial thickness of the virgin layer as a parameter instead of by coordinates, allowing parametric studies to be easily conducted. The element can be laminated with other general thermal element models.