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Axisymmetric shell analysis of the Space Shuttle solid rocket booster field jointThe Space Shuttle Challenger (STS 51-L) accident led to an intense investigation of the structural behavior of the solid rocket booster (SRB) tang and clevis field joints. The presence of structural deformations between the clevis inner leg and the tang, substantial enough to prevent the O-ring seals from eliminating hot gas flow through the joints, has emerged as a likely cause of the vehicle failure. This paper presents results of axisymmetric shell analyses that parametrically assess the structural behavior of SRB field joints subjected to quasi-steady-state internal pressure loading for both the original joint flown on mission STS 51-L and the redesigned joint recently flown on the Space Shuttle Discovery. Discussion of axisymmetric shell modeling issues and details is presented and a generic method for simulating contact between adjacent shells of revolution is described. Results are presented that identify the performance trends of the joints for a wide range of joint parameters.
Document ID
19890043447
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Nemeth, Michael P.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Anderson, Melvin S.
(Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 89-1343
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, ASME, ASCE, AHS, and ASC, Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Location: Mobile, AL
Country: United States
Start Date: April 3, 1989
End Date: April 5, 1989
Accession Number
89A30818
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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