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Structural Continuum Modeling of Space Shuttle External Tank Foam InsulationThe Space Shuttle External Tank is covered with rigid polymeric closed-cell foam insulation to prevent ice formation, protect the metallic tank from aerodynamic heating, and control the breakup of the tank during re-entry. The cryogenic state of the tank, as well as the ascent into a vacuum environment, places this foam under significant stress. Because the loss of the foam during ascent poses a critical risk to the shuttle orbiter, there is much interest in understanding the stress state in the foam insulation and how it may contribute to fracture and debris loss. Several foam applications on the external tank have been analyzed using finite element methods. This presentation describes the approach used to model the foam material behavior and compares analytical results to experiments.
Document ID
20060047484
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Steeve, Brian
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Ayala, Sam
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Purlee, T. Eric
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Shaw, Phillip
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2006
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: 43rd Annual Technical Meeting of the Society of Engineering Science
Location: University Park, PA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 14, 2006
End Date: August 17, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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