Design, analysis, and tests of a structural prototype Viking aeroshell. I - Aeroshell design and analysis. II - Test procedure and test results.

Two near optimum full-scale Viking aeroshell prototypes (140 deg ring-stiffened conical shells), differing only in base ring size, were designed and tested under uniform pressure to buckling failure. Part I describes the computerized design procedure which iterates between a design program based on approximate equations to determine skin and ring gages and ring spacings, and a sophisticated system of shell of revolution programs for more accurate analysis as a basis for redesign. Part II discusses fabrication techniques, test procedures, and test results. Both buckling and prebuckling data are compared with the theoretical predictions of Part I. Appropriate buckling knockdown factors for this type of construction are identified. Measured strains in skin and rings agreed well with theoretical predictions and the buckling pressure was in close agreement with the design ultimate pressure.