Aero-Thermal Modeling for Spinel Asphere Development

While aspherical dome geometries provide enhanced aerodynamics versus hemispherical domes, they have been problematic to manufacture due to inadequate finishing techniques. However, recent advances in finishing technology have made their production possible. Magnesium aluminate spinel is a hard, transparent material, which is currently being scaled up to produce hemispherical transparent domes to support the Joint Common Missile. Development of aspherical spinel domes is also underway, but only recently has finishing technology been capable of dealing with these complicated geometries. Therefore, little analytical data exists as to the performance of spinel domes during hypersonic flight. In order to produce an aspherical, spinel dome design that mitigates the effects of aero-thermal heating during hypersonic flight, Technology Assessment and Transfer and Johns Hopkins University Advanced Physics Laboratory will optically characterize spinel at elevated temperatures, model the aerodynamic performance of three dome geometries, and produce two aspherical, transparent spinel dome blanks.