Space Shuttle Orbiter - Leading edge structural design/analysis and material allowablesReinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC), a structural composite whose development was targeted for the high temperature reentry environments of reusable space vehicles, has successfully demonstrated that capability on the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Unique mechanical properties, particularly at elevated temperatures up to 3000 F, make this material ideally suited for the 'hot' regions of multimission space vehicles. Design allowable characterization testing, full-scale development and qualification testing, and structural analysis techniques will be presented herein that briefly chart the history of the RCC material from infancy to eventual multimission certification for the Orbiter. Included are discussions pertaining to the development of the design allowable data base, manipulation of the test data into usable forms, and the analytical verification process.
Document ID
19860054105
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Johnson, D. W. (LTV Aerospace and Defense Co. Dallas, TX, United States)
Curry, D. M. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Kelly, R. E. (Rockwell International Corp. Downey, CA, United States)