View synonyms for heat shield

heat shield

noun

, Aerospace.

a coating or structure that surrounds part of the nose cone or other vulnerable surfaces of a spacecraft and, by heat absorption or ablation, protects them from excessive heating during reentry.

heat shield

noun

a coating or barrier for shielding from excessive heat, such as that experienced by a spacecraft on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere

heat shield

A barrier that prevents a substance from absorbing heat energy from an outside source by absorbing and dissipating, or simply reflecting, that heat. Heat shields are commonly used to protect parts of a device from heat generated by its energy source, as in isolating the cabin of a car from its motor. Many spacecraft dissipate heat generated by friction with the atmosphere upon reentry using heat shields that melt and vaporize, dissipating the energy back into the atmosphere.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of heat shield¹

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

All that resistance, however, acted as a powerful brake, and three minutes after peak heating, the speed of the ship was reduced to 1,609 kph, slow enough for the heat shield to be jettisoned and a parachute to deploy.

From Time

The spacecraft survived scorching temperatures thanks to its heat shield.

From MIT Technology Review

In this case, gas in front of the vehicle will be rapidly compressed, causing a huge jump in pressure and temperature between the shock wave and the heat shield.

From Singularity Hub

Perseverance is protected by a heat shield and shell, as well as a suite of 28 sensors that monitor hot gases and winds.

From MIT Technology Review

The lunar Starship will be equipped with lighter thrusters to ease it on and off the moon’s surface, and it won’t have the flaps and heat shield needed for reentering Earth’s atmosphere.

From Singularity Hub

Up next: heat-shield separation and radar acquisition of the ground.

From The Daily Beast

heat-seeking heat sink

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