A fracture mechanics study of the Skylab windowsDesign criteria based on fracture mechanics concepts are developed for spacecraft windows. Critical stress intensity factor data and crack velocity data are used for lifetime predictions and for the development of acceptance tests for the eight candidate glass compositions for the Skylab. Design charts are presented which give the minimum time to failure of the Skylab windows as a function of service stress and proof test stress. Surface adsorbed water is shown to be detrimental to the strength of spacecraft windows, even after the spacecraft has left the earth's atmosphere, because of the slow rate of evaporation of water from surface cracks.
Document ID
19740051524
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Wiederhorn, S. M.
Evans, A. G.
Roberts, D. E. (National Bureau of Standards Washington, D.C., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1974
Subject Category
Materials, Nonmetallic
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Fracture mechanics of ceramics