Photogrammetry is a cutting-edge technology the Koo Research Group adopted to analyze thermal protection system (TPS) materials for extreme environments. Employing stereo-photogrammetric methods, a pair of cameras capture surface images and construct 3D point clouds of the sample surface, enabling the evaluation of material recession over time. Compared to the traditional method of measuring surface depths before and after testing with a dial indicator, photogrammetry significantly advances data quality by offering a complete transient 3D recession profile. The Koo Research Group has employed photogrammetry to analyze over 200 material samples on the Oxy-Acetylene Test Bed at heat flux conditions from 100 W/cm2 to 1500 W/cm2.
Figure 1. Photogrammetry process flow, from left to right: Capture surface images during aerothermal testing, generate surface mesh, evaluate surface meshes to generate transient recession data.
Figure 2. Surface meshes of novel laminated carbon fiber TPS material.
Figure 3. (Left) View of OTB torch impinging on mounted sample and (Right) OTB camera instrumentation for photogrammetry.