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Testing Requirements for Refractory MaterialsLaunch Pads 39A and 39B currently use refractory material (Fondu Fyre) in the flame trenches. This material was initially approved for the Saturn program. This material had a lifetime of 10 years according to the manufacturer, and it has been used for over 40 years. As a consequence, the Fondu Fyre at Launch Complex 39 requires repair subsequent to almost every launch. A review of the literature indicates that the gunned Fondu Fyre refractory product (WA-1G) was never tested prior to use. With the recent severe damage to the flame trenches, a new refractory material is sought to replace Fondu Fyre. In order to replace Fondu Fyre, a methodology to test and evaluate refractory products was developed. This paper outlines this methodology and discusses current testing requirements, as well as the laboratory testing that might be required. Furthermore, this report points out the necessity for subscale testing, the locations where this testing can be performed, and the parameters that will be necessary to qualify a product. The goal is to identify a more durable refractory material that has physical, chemical, and thermal properties suitable to withstand the harsh environment of the launch pads at KSC.
Document ID
20110010899
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Calle, Luz Marina
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Hintze, Paul E.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Parlier, Christopher R.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Curran, Jerome P.
(ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Kolody, Mark R.
(ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Sampson, Jeffrey W.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Montgomery, Eliza M.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 2011
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2010-216293R
Report Number: NASA/TM-2010-216293R
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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