Experimental evaluation of the radiative heat flux from rocket plumes on satellite structures

An experimental method capable of directly measuring the net radiant heat flux on complex geometry surfaces by non invasive methods has been devised, designed, realized and tested. The method is based on a computerized thermographic system capable of directly outputting the radiative heat fluxes absorbed by the surface to be examined. The calibration tests have shown the feasibility and the accuracy of the proposed method. Preliminary tests are presented which simulate the radiation flux from a jet exhaust.