sailingsmarter
Mechanical
Hello! This is my first post. I am a dual engineering student and I love learning about elegant solutions to complex problems, which is why I am writing this post. I am here to learn more about engineering without the textbook. I am a student, so if i ask the wrong question or mix something up I'm sorry in advance. Now to business.
Apparently in the early stages of their space program, China used a 5.9" thick piece of white oak to protect spacecraft for reentry, using it as an ablative heat shield. Does anyone have any insight on how this would work? Wood (pun intended) the oak have been impregnated with anything and how would that have helped. Wood (darn I did it again) the orientation of the grain make any difference in the performance? I am asking less about the Chinese spaceship and more on the concept of wooden or non traditional heat shields.
Apparently in the early stages of their space program, China used a 5.9" thick piece of white oak to protect spacecraft for reentry, using it as an ablative heat shield. Does anyone have any insight on how this would work? Wood (pun intended) the oak have been impregnated with anything and how would that have helped. Wood (darn I did it again) the orientation of the grain make any difference in the performance? I am asking less about the Chinese spaceship and more on the concept of wooden or non traditional heat shields.
