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Full-Text Articles in Structures and Materials
Propulsion Enhancement Contributions To The Performance Of Space Launch Vehicles, Russell H. Edwards
Propulsion Enhancement Contributions To The Performance Of Space Launch Vehicles, Russell H. Edwards
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations
A research effort has been undertaken to investigate critical aspects of launch vehicle performance as affected by variations in specific launch vehicle parameters. The major portion of the study involves liquid propellant systems. However, since solid propellant systems also play a role in today's launch systems, a representative solid-propellant launch vehicle has also been analyzed. The research undertaken determined that the payload capability of a space launch vehicle, or, conversely, the vehicle total liftoff mass, is highly sensitive to the manner in which the space launch vehicle is staged. The research has led to the development and programming of a …
Development And Testing Of An Inflatable, Rigidizable Space Structure Experiment, Sarah K. Helms
Development And Testing Of An Inflatable, Rigidizable Space Structure Experiment, Sarah K. Helms
Theses and Dissertations
Many recent space technology concepts require large space structures such as solar arrays and large aperture antennas; however, tight constraints on payload mass and volume often preclude their launch. Employing inflatable, rigidizable structures can reduce mass and volume while providing sufficient packing flexibility and structural stiffness. AFIT has developed RIGEX to flight-test this type of structure. RIGEX will test the deployment and structural characteristics of three thermoplastic composite Sub-Tg tubes. Once launched on the Space Shuttle in 2007, the spaceflight results will be compared to lab data to validate on-orbit reliability and ground test methods. This paper documents three main …
On The Space Shuttle Wing Thermal-Structural Analysis, Kumar Krishna Tamma
On The Space Shuttle Wing Thermal-Structural Analysis, Kumar Krishna Tamma
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations
A finite element approach for efficient thermal-structural analysis of structures with thermal protection systems (TPS) is described. The approach is applied to Space Shuttle wing structure configurations subjected to reentry heating. New two and three-dimensional finite elements are developed to model heat transfer in the TPS and supporting structure. A typical TPS/Structural element predicts transient nonlinear temperature variations through the TPS thickness and detailed structural temperatures at the TPS/Structure interface. The accuracy of the TPS/Structure approach in two and three-dimensions is evaluated by comparisons with the conventional approach for various configurations of the wing structure. The results indicate that the …