The manufacture of a wound pressurant tank for the second stage of the Ariane 4 launcher is described. The goal of the manufacturing process is to save 26 kg per tank resulting in an overall savings of 78 kg for the second stage. This is equivalent to an extra mass payload of about 20 kg. The technical requirements of the tank are described. Development requirements and approach are outlined. Qualification standards of the design and qualification tests are described. Tank behavior is checked using acoustic emission and ultrasonic inspection.
Wound Helium Pressurant Tank Development for 2ND Stage of Ariane 4 Launcher
1990
3 pages
Report
No indication
English