Advanced composite materials traditionally have not been used for major structure on expendable launch vehicles (ELV). Weight reduction is important on launch vehicles (LV), but the superior performance of composites has not been attractive enough to justify the projected development and qualification costs necessary to replace current metallic designs. Recent mission models, however, are publishing existing LVs near the limits of their performance capabilities, emphasizing the need for the development of enhanced and/or larger vehicles to provide assured access to space at affordable costs. The McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company (MDSSC) is actively involved in developing lightweight, low-cost composite LV structures for the Advanced Launch System (ALS) that also provide viable technology options for existing ELVs such as Delta, Titan and Atlas. This paper presents the progress of ALS Technology Demonstration Project 3107 Composite Structures. The work to date includes trade studies on designs, materials and processes, as well as special issues research and initial fabrication development for advanced composite payload fairings and intertanks.
Advanced composite structures for launch vehicles
Fortschrittliche Verbundwerkstoff-Strukturen für Raumfähren
1990
15 Seiten, 24 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 5 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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