ABLATION TEST METHODS FOR ROCKET AND HEAT SHIELD MATERIALS

Two test procedures for evaluating materials in dynamic hot gas environments are described. The first is the NOL Panel Test which gives relative insulation performance data with a min of expense and time. The second, the NOL Alpha Rod Test, while more time consuming and requiring greater preparation, gives information on ablation rate and effective thermal diffusivity of insulating type materials. The latter test is relatively new and not all of the experimental parameters have been evaluated. Some sample data from each type of test are presented. Author