Condition Matched Radiant Testing (CMaRT)

This innovation is an improvement to the control logic and method of imparting heat for radiant thermal testing of flight structures. Instead of matching a thermal model-derived vehicle response; control logic will use real-time computation to match flight aerothermal conditions around the vehicle. Control will be based on two aerothermal parameters: film coefficient and fluid recovery temperature. Eliminating a long-standing dependence on a vehicle thermal model means that the test process can actually assess and validate a vehicle thermal model; just like a wind tunnel can.

The importance of model validation in ground test design has increased significantly with the rise of digital engineering. Digital engineering processes require significant model validation. Furthermore; radiant thermal testing is far less expensive than high-speed wind tunnel testing and can accomodate far larger test articles. This technology therefore represents the first opportunity for full thermal model validation during the design process of a large high-speed vehicle; and at a lower cost than many of the subcomponent or coupon-level tests regularly performed during vehicle design cycles.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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