Theoretical evaluation and minimum weight design of thermal protection

The behaviour of thermally protected structurcs subjected to kinetic heating is analysed, and figures of merit derived to define the effectiveness of the thermal protection. The configuration analysed consists of a structure, represented thermally as a flat plate, covered with a layer or layers of insulating material, plus in some cases a cooling system employing circulating liquid. Optimum configurations are indicated by maximising the figures of merit for a given weight of thermal protection.