Thermomechanical Analysis of Slug Calorimeter Failures
Location
Havener Center, Meramac Gasconade Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Start Date
4-1-2026 9:30 AM
End Date
4-1-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Date
April 1, 2026; 9:30am-10:00am
Description
Slug calorimeters are essential instruments for measuring heat flux in extreme thermal environments, such as those experienced during atmospheric re-entry; however, failures in their ceramic insulation components, most notably cracking under combined thermal and mechanical loading, limit their reliability. This work investigates the conditions leading to such failures through analytical modeling and numerical simulation. The study focuses on the evolution of thermal gradients, stress distributions, and material response under representative high-temperature conditions. Parametric analyses are conducted to evaluate the influence of heating rates, boundary conditions, and material properties on crack initiation and propagation. Results provide insight into the mechanisms driving insulation failure and identify critical thresholds associated with structural degradation. These findings establish a foundation for improving calorimeter design and may inform future experimental validation efforts aimed at enhancing durability and measurement reliability in high-enthalpy environments.
Biography
Adam Merchiori is a sophomore aerospace engineering student from Belleville, Illinois. He is a member of the Missouri S&T Honor's Academy, the Rocket Design Team, and in his first year of the OURE program. Adam graduated from Belleville East High School in 2024. In high school, he was an active member of multiple honors societies, including president of Mu Alpha Theta and vice-president of the Science National Honors Society. He was also captain of the varsity soccer team and recipient of the American Legion Award, Paul L. Kunz Award, and the Declan Award.
Meeting Name
2026 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Document Type
Presentation
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 The Authors, All rights reserved
Thermomechanical Analysis of Slug Calorimeter Failures
Havener Center, Meramac Gasconade Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Slug calorimeters are essential instruments for measuring heat flux in extreme thermal environments, such as those experienced during atmospheric re-entry; however, failures in their ceramic insulation components, most notably cracking under combined thermal and mechanical loading, limit their reliability. This work investigates the conditions leading to such failures through analytical modeling and numerical simulation. The study focuses on the evolution of thermal gradients, stress distributions, and material response under representative high-temperature conditions. Parametric analyses are conducted to evaluate the influence of heating rates, boundary conditions, and material properties on crack initiation and propagation. Results provide insight into the mechanisms driving insulation failure and identify critical thresholds associated with structural degradation. These findings establish a foundation for improving calorimeter design and may inform future experimental validation efforts aimed at enhancing durability and measurement reliability in high-enthalpy environments.
Comments
Advisor: Davide Vigano, dvigano@mst.edu