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An analysis of experiments on aerodynamic heating of high-velocity missiles in accelerated flight

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University. / An analysis is given which treats experimental heat-transfer data obtained during flights of three V-2 rockets and two Aerobee rockets. This work was conducted largely at Boston University under Air Force Contracts W28-099-ac-395 and AF 33(615)-382. The instrumentation and rocket-flight phases extended from 1947 to 1952, while the analysis was carried out in the period from 1953 to 1955. A total of nine V-2 rockets were instrumented to some extent for the purposes of this experiment. The missiles for which data have been analyzed were chosen on the basis of best performance on the part of both instrumentation and rocket. Experimental equipment of special design was produced and installed by the Boston University group in the rockets which were launched in the White Sands area in New Mexico. Extensive field trips were required in this connection, both for the experiment on heat0transer and others in which the same group participated at the same time. The general program was one of research in physics of the upper atmosphere. Since the conclusion of the supporting contracts in October of 1954, additional consideration of the experimental results has continued on a private basis.
The data obtained during the course of the present experiment were in the form of temperature variations as experienced by heat meters which were placed at selected locations over the body and fin of the rockets. The heat meters were small circular diaphragms of stainless steel which were placed flush with the rocket skin. Each diaphragm had on its central inner surface a pair of resistance thermometers made of nickel wire, with a diameter of 0.002". The thermometers were switched in sequence into a resistance bridge. One thermometer had always a higher resistance than the other, an arrangement which served two purposes. Firstly, the two values of voltage for a given temperature permited unambiguous determination of the direction in which the resistance bridge was unbalanced. Secondly, these two values of voltage were handled independently by our own instrumentation, and by the recording or telemetry devices. When two such different values of voltage were finally translated back into their equivalent temperatures, close agreement of the temperature values lent considerable support to their accuracy. When the two thermometers reported temperatures which were significantly different from each other, restraint was indicated in trusting their accuracy. Fortunately, close agreement of temperatures reported by the dual thermometers was the more usual experience.
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Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/13046
Date January 1955
CreatorsLow, Ward Call
PublisherBoston University
Source SetsBoston University
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis/Dissertation
RightsBased on investigation of the BU Libraries' staff, this work is free of known copyright restrictions.

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