Edge softening of the Shuttle TPS strain isolation padTensile tests and an analytical investigation were performed to characterize the edge softening behavior of the strain isolation pad (SIP) between the Orbiter skin and thermal protection system. The tensile tests were carried out with varying sizes of disk-shaped specimens bonded between aluminum disks. The specimens strength and stiffness were determined on the basis of specimen size, and an analytical model of the microstructural stress-strain characteristics was developed. Strength and stiffness were found to decrease near the free edges because through-the-thickness fibers located there were not anchored. No size dependence at maximum load was observed in specimens between 0.75-4.0 in. thick. In-plane and out-of-plane coupling in deformation was detected. The model gave accurate predictions of the tensile behavior of the SIP as a function of distance to a free edge.
Document ID
19830042413
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ransone, P. O. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Rummler, D. R. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: Material and process advances ''82; Fourteenth National SAMPE Technical Conference