| NASA Center: |
Ames Research Center |
|---|
| Image # : |
A-23439 |
|---|
| Date : |
12/31/1957
|
|---|
|
Title
H. Julian Allen
Full Description
H. Julian Allen stands beside the observation window of the 8 x 7 foot
test section of the NACA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel.
H. Julian Allen is best known for his "Blunt Body Theory" of
aerodynamics, a design technique for alleviating the severe re-entry
heating problem which was then delaying the development of ballistic
missiles. His findings revolutionized the fundamental design of
ballistic missle re-entry shapes. Subsequently, applied research led
to applications of the "blunt" shape to ballistic missles and spacecraft
which were intended to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. This
application led to the design of ablative heat shields that protected
the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts as their space capsules re-
entered the Earth's atmosphere.
"Harvey" Allen as he was called by most, was not only a brilliant
scientist and aeronautical engineer but was also admired for his
kindness, thoughtfulness and sense of humor. Among his many other
accomplishments, Harvey Allen served as Center Director of the NASA
Ames Research Center from 1965 to 1969. He died of a heart attack on
January 29, 1977 at the age of 66.
Keywords
Julian Allen Blunt Body Theory Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Aerodynamics Mercury Gemini Apollo Ballistic Missles Ames Research Center Moffett Field Ames Research Center
Subject Category
Flight Research at ARC, Wind Tunnels-Interior, NASA-Center-Directors, NACA-ARC,
Reference Numbers
- Center:
AMES
- Center Number:
A-23439
- GRIN DataBase Number:
GPN-2000-001778
Source Information
- Creator/Photographer: NACA
- Original Source: DIGITAL
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Updated October 31, 2002
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