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Enhancement and Analysis of Real-Time Radiography ImagesShuttle Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle interiors fabricated from carbon phenolic composite exhibit "ply lift" when hot fired. The composite surface is smooth when fabricated, but the individual plies separate and lift away from the surface when exposed to high temperature and high-pressure exhaust gas. It shows a cross section of a post-fired composite in which ply lift is evident as dark fissures. Surface charring is also visible as a darker band about 0.2 inches thick. Charring is normal, but ply lift is not desirable since the fissures could possibly initiate an abnormal exhaust path from the RSRM. The underlying mechanisms of ply lift are under investigation as part of the Shuttle Return-To-Flight Program.
Document ID
20050215314
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Doering, Edward R.
(Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech. Terre Haute, IN, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: The 2004 NASA Faculty Fellowship Program Research Reports
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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