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Development and Implementation of Environmentally Compatible Solid Film LubricantsMulti-body launch vehicles require the use of Solid Film Lubricants (SFLs) to allow for unrestricted relative motion between structural assemblies and components during lift off and ascent into orbit. The Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), uses a dual coat, ceramic-bonded high temperature SFL in several locations such as restraint hardware between the SRB aft skirt and the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), the aft SRB/External Tank (ET) attach struts, and the forward skirt SRB/ET attach ball assembly. The proposed National Launch System (NLS) may require similar applications of SFLs for attachment and restraint hardware. A family of environmentally compatible nonlead/antimony bearing alternative SFLs have been developed including a compatible repair material. In addition, commercial applications for SFLs on transportation equipment, all types of lubricated fasteners, and energy related equipment allow for wide usage of these new lubricants. The new SFLs named BOOSTERLUBE is a family of single layer thin film (0.001 inch maximum) coatings that are a unique mixture of non-hazardous pigments in a compatible resin system that allows for low temperature curing (450 F). Significant savings in energy and processing time as well as elimination of hazardous material usage and disposal would result from the non-toxic onestep SFL application. Compatible air-dry field repair lubricants will help eliminate disassembly of launch vehicle restraint hardware during critical time sensitive assembly operations.
Document ID
19980010228
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Novak, Howard L.
(United Space Boosters, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Hall, Phillip B.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: Second Aerospace Environmental Technology Conference
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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