does anybody have an algorithm for predicting the hull temps of an XR2 during re-entry? (I would appreviate it if they are the same ones used in-simulation)
I would assume that atmo. density, atmo. temperature, vessel velocity, and heading all factor in.
Thanks in advance,
thepenguin
This kind of prediction is useful for knowing where to place your periapsis altitude, so that you don't burn up during reentry.
In order to make a prediction, you'll need to know 3 things and then use Doug's formula.
The 3 things are: Periapsis velocity, Periapsis Alt and Static Pressure at that altitude.
(Doug is using Airspeed and not Orbital (periapsis) velocity, but you can deduce it if you know the eq inclination and your periapsis latitude).
The velocity and altitude can be easily found by the elements of the trajectory. The static pressure is slightly more difficult.
Earth, Venus and Mars use custom atmospheric models, which means that you will have to make some short of table with the static pressures for the range of altitudes you need. (Earth for example would need the static pressures for altitudes 75 km to 55 km).
The rest of the bodies with an atmosphere, model their static pressure using this formula (from Orbitersdk\doc\API_guide.pdf)
Good luck with your script