NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Development of Lead Free Energy Absorber for Space Shuttle Blast ContainerThe Space Shuttle is connected to the mobile launch platform (MLP) by four aft skirt hold down studs on each solid rocket booster (SRB). Prior to lift-off, the frangible nuts inside the aft skirt blast containers are severed into two nut halves by two pyrotechnic booster cartridges. This action releases the Space Shuttle and allows the hold down studs to eject through the aft skirt bore and then down into the MLP. USBI has been tasked to upgrade the blast container for two specific reasons: (1) To eliminate lead for environmental concerns, and (2) To reduce the chance of nut recontact with the holddown stud. Nut recontact with the stud has been identified as a likely contributor to stud hang-ups. This upgrade will replace the lead liner with a unique open cell aluminum foam material, that has commercial and military uses. The aluminum foam used as an energy absorber is a proven design in many other aerospace/defense applications. Additional benefits of using the open cell, energy absorbent aluminum foam in place of the solid lead liner are: (1) Lead handling / exposure and possible contamination, along with hazardous waste disposal, will be eliminated; (2) Approximately 200 lbs. weight savings will be contributed to each Space Shuttle flight by using aluminum foam instead of lead; (3) The new aluminum liner is designed to catch all shrapnel from frangible nuts, thus virtually eliminating chance of debris exiting the HDP and causing potential damage to the vehicle; (4) Using the lighter aluminum liner instead of lead, allows for easier assembly and disassembly of blast container elements, which also improves safety, operator handling, and the efficiency of operations.
Document ID
19990115858
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Balles, Donald
(United Space Boosters, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Ingram, Thomas
(United Space Boosters, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Novak, Howard
(United Space Boosters, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Schricker, Albert
(United Space Boosters, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-363
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available