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Science 10 November 1967:
Vol. 158. no. 3802, pp. 740 - 744
DOI: 10.1126/science.158.3802.740
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Articles

Ablation Thermal Protection Systems

Suitability of ablation systems to thermal protection depends on complex physical and chemical processes

E. W. Ungar 1

1 Columbus Laboratories of the Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201

The performance of ablation thermal protection systems is intimately related to the mass transfer, heat transfer, and chemical reactions which occur within the gas boundary layer. Production of a liquid layer and phase change or chemical reaction heat sinks greatly improve materials performance. Materials are available which achieve many goals for thermal protection. However, advanced materials which are now being developed provide hope of further reductions in the weight of heat-shielding structures.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)