Application of fracture mechanics on the Space ShuttleDuring the design stages of the shuttle orbiter, fracture-mechanics concepts were applied extensively to the highly stressed areas of the structure. This was the first space program to require a comprehensive fracture mechanics approach to prevent structural failures from crack or crack-like defects. As anticipated, some difficult problems were encountered. This paper briefly describes some of them together with the procedure used for fracture control on the orbiter. It is believed that the principles and methods as presented herein can serve as an example of fracture control for aerospace and other industries.
Document ID
19850033714
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Forman, R. G. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hu, T. (Rockwell International Corp. Space Transportation and System Group, Downey, CA, United States)