The WRK (WeltRaumKammer, German for Space Chamber), also known as “Re-Entry Chamber”, had been originally designed for the fast and cost-efficient characterization of Thermal Protection System components like re-usable heat shields or ablators under the conditions of an atmospheric re-entry, limiting the testing to relevant thermal and mechanical loads but without addressing the effects of plasma chemistry.
The facility is also used for thermal vacuum testing of samples and smaller parts, including the testing of component functionality like heaters, actuators, or release mechanisms.
The WRK is made of a barrel-type vacuum chamber with an inner diameter of 650 mm and a depth of 600 mm. The chamber is entirely made of stainless steel and equipped with double walls for water cooling. For larger components, an extension with an inner diameter of 400 mm and a height of 500 mm allows testing of parts with a total length up to one meter.
Various feedthroughs for temperature sensors, electrical connectors, and view ports for optical measurement of temperature or strain are available.
- Process plate dimensions: 500x500 mm²
- Maximum temperature: 300 °C continuous, up to 350 °C short-term
- Minimum temperature -190 °C under vacuum, ~-180 °C under nitrogen gas
- Heating/Cooling Range up to 10 K/min
- Atmosphere: Vacuum 1e-6 mbar, non corrosive gas (N2, CO2, Ar,...) up to ambient pressure
Advanced testing
- Mechanical loading system up to 70kN and frequency up to 70 Hz
- Inductive heating system with 30 kW, up to 2400°C
- Radiation heating system with 100kW/m² by OTS halogen radiators.
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