Thermal Considerations with Respect to Sliding Contact at High Speed

You are here: Homepage > Search

Thermal Considerations with Respect to Sliding Contact at High Speed

Alban, Christopher J. / Palazotto, Anthony N. / Rutledge, James L.

This paper attempts to trace the movement of a sled along a track at speeds up to Mach 4.5. The sled is supported with slippers that are loosely connected to the rail in such a way that sliding is allowed relative to the stationary rail, but the aerodynamic forces acting on the vehicle create bouncing effects within its movement. The model developed makes use of a finite-difference analysis of sliding and bouncing with a one-dimensional differential equation that includes possible melting. The results from this approach are incorporated into a two-dimensional finite-element model that treats the solution incrementally in time within a quasi-steady-state fashion. The results display temperature as a function of conduction and convection including the boundary-layer and Couette conditions along the lower surface. The aerodynamics and boundary layer along the leading edge and top surface are also included. The finite difference is integrated into a finite-element analysis to evaluate sliding, bouncing, and aerodynamic effects on a slipper as it traverses a rail at high velocity. The importance of the research is to determine the temperature profile that can be incorporated into a mechanical evaluation as related to material wear.