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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
We are proposing to mature and elevate the TRL for a new wind-tunnel balance concept that enables direct measurement of aerodynamic interaction forces and moments generated by reaction control system (RCS) thrusters on atmospheric descent models required for CFD validation in the development of Mars human landing vehicle concepts. This new capability will also be directly applied to certification testing of future atmospheric entry vehicles that utilize RCSs including robotic entry descent in other atmospheres. This new technology improves the development of atmospheric entry vehicles such as Orion and Mars Sample Return Lander. The custom force transducer developed improves the data quality and workflow of reaction control system certification testing at NASA’s wind-tunnel facilities. All atmospheric entry vehicles will undergo development and certification testing by wind-tunnel testing. This technology enhances the data collected during these tests and provides a richer data source for researchers and designers to develop the next generation entry vehicles. This projected was enabled by additive manufacturing, which is still a novel technology on its own. The designs used to enable this specific technology would not be possible without additive manufacturing.
This technology enables a measurement that was originally not possible. Previous force transducers lacked drag measurement for flow-through types. This technology enables this missing measurement which enhances the data collected during wind-tunnel testing. This study investigates development of a six-component, high-pressure, flow through balance. This capability has been sought after by the reaction control system (RCS) research community who support human and robotic atmospheric entry. The addition of the axial (drag) force component would cut wind-tunnel entry time approximately in half. Additionally, enabling axial force measurement allows for more flexible model design and post-test data reduction. All future atmospheric entry vehicle, with reaction control systems, development and certification will be improved.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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