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Hydrogen disposal investigation for the Space Shuttle launch complex at Vandenberg Air Force BaseThe concern of an overpressure condition on the aft end of the Space Shuttle caused by ignition of unburned hydrogen being trapped in the Space Shuttle Main Engine exhaust duct at the Vandenberg AFB launch complex has been investigated for fifteen months. Approximately twenty-five concepts have been reviewed, with four concepts being thoroughly investigated. The four concepts investigated were hydrogen burnoff ignitors (ignitors located throughout the exhaust duct to continuously ignite any unburned hydrogen), jet mixing (utilizing large volumes of high pressure air to ensure complete combustion of the hydrogen), steam inert (utilizing flashing hot water to inert the duct with steam) and open duct concept (design an open duct or above grade J-deflector to avoid trapping hydrogen gas). Extensive studies, analyses and testing were performed at six test sites with technical support from twenty-two major organizations. In December 1986, the Air Force selected the steam inert concept to be utilized at the Vandenberg launch complex and authorized the design effort.
Document ID
19880046567
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Breit, Terry J.
(Martin Marietta Corp. Vandenberg AFB, CA, United States)
Elliott, George
(Martin Marietta Corp. Vandenberg AFB, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Testing Seminar
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: March 10, 1987
End Date: March 12, 1987
Accession Number
88A33794
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: F04701-83-C-0032
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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