A multi-disciplinary approach of demisable tanks’ re-entry

Abstract

During an atmospheric re-entry, several spacecraft’s components, in particular high pressure tanks are known to survive. Some have been found on different locations worldwide. The current design baseline of such tanks consists of Titanium liners with carbon composite overwrapped. This paper aims at presenting simulations of the thermal behavior of new baselines that would be destroyed during their atmospheric reentry. New tools and processes have been developed to quickly and accurately give technical feedbacks to engineers about the survivability of particular designs. Design for Demise, as new discipline, is playing a bigger role in new spacecraft developments, like the Ariane 6 launcher.