This document is prepared to define and guide the thermal resistance testing of the nosecone intended for use in a student rocketry project. The goal is to verify whether the component can withstand the thermal environment expected during flight ascent.
It provides both a Test Specification and a Test Procedure, ensuring clarity, traceability, and repeatability in the testing process.
The intended audience includes members of the rocket team, laboratory supervisors at the ENAC thermal testing facility, safety officers, and test engineers.
By reading this document, the reader should understand:
This document serves as both a planning and operational reference during the preparation and execution of the test.
This document focuses solely on the thermal resistance test of the nosecone, a key aerodynamic component located at the top of the rocket. The test will simulate the heat load encountered during ascent by exposing the component to a short-duration temperature of 390 K for 5 seconds in a controlled furnace environment.
The document does not cover other tests (e.g., mechanical, aerodynamic, impact, or structural testing), nor does it evaluate the full rocket system or launch environment.
It specifically addresses:
We will test the Nosecone part made oout of carbone fibers and its ability to withstand 390K for 5 seconds. We will place the Nosecone in a heated oven (390K) until the carbone reaches 390K at its surface. We will preheat the oven in order to simulate the flight-like conditions. We will place an appropriate thermometer to see the real temperature of the carbone according to time.
| Tool / Instrument | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Furnace (390 K ± 5 K) | Thermal environment for exposure |
| Thermocouples (Type K or T) x2 | Surface temperature measurement |
| Thermocouple data acquisition system | Logging of temperature over time |
| Infrared thermometer or thermal camera | Optional backup measurement |
| High-temperature gloves | Safe handling of hot components |
| Heat-resistant tools (tongs, pliers) | Placement/removal of specimen |
| Timer or stopwatch | Timing of 5-second exposure |
| Flashlight + magnifying glass | Visual inspection before/after test |
| Ruler or caliper | Dimensional check after exposure |
| Test log sheet | Recording data and observations |
Prepare the test specimen
Install thermocouples
Prepare furnace
Ensure safety
Insert specimen
Hold temperature
Remove specimen
Post-test visual inspection
Dimensional check
10 . Document results
11 . Clean up
The nosecone is considered to have passed the test if all of the following conditions are met:
The nosecone is considered to have failed the test if any of the above criteria are not met.
The thermal test is considered a success if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
The test is considered a failure if:
| Sub-System | Part Name/ID | Type of Part | Version ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Part of Nosecone | Prototype | 12.05.25 |
| Safety Concern | Probability | Impact | Severity | Mitigation | Post-Mitigation Probability | Post-Mitigation Impact | Post-Mitigation Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosecone not reaching 390 K in time | Medium | Invalid test | Medium | Preheat furnace and verify temperature before inserting specimen | Low | Low | Low |
| DAQ system fails to record temperature | Low | No data | High | Perform signal check 1 hour before test; use backup thermocouple reader | Very Low | Low | Low |
| Specimen damage during insertion | Medium | Test invalid | Medium | Use heat-resistant tools; train personnel beforehand | Low | Low | Low |
| Time overrun due to furnace instability | Medium | Delay | Low | Reserve extra test time slot; monitor furnace warm-up ahead of schedule | Low | Low | Very Low |
| Safety Concern | Probability | Impact | Severity | Mitigation | Post-Mitigation Probability | Post-Mitigation Impact | Post-Mitigation Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burns from hot furnace or test piece | Medium | Operator injury | High | Use high-temp gloves and tongs; safety briefing prior to test | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Smoke or fumes from resin overheating | Low | Respiratory irritation | Medium | Test in ventilated lab; stay within thermal limit of material | Very Low | Low | Very Low |
| Fire hazard in furnace | Very Low | Equipment damage | High | Remove flammable materials nearby; monitor test continuously | Very Low | Low | Very Low |
| Electric shock from DAQ/furnace system | Low | Operator injury | High | Only trained personnel handle wiring; check grounding before test | Very Low | Low | Very Low |