The Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) serves as the structural centerpiece of the Space Shuttle system, connecting the Solid Rocket Boosters and the Orbiter while carrying 730 000 kg of propellants for the main engines. Due to the size and criticality of the structure, the ET presents a tremendous challenge for implementing a complete fracture control program. Typical approaches to pressure vessel fracture control are inadequate for the structure due to a combination of low attainable proof factor, extremely short cyclic mission life and nonlinear material behavior. Fracture control for the ET is empirically based and established via mission-specific testing, proof test, nondestructive evaluation, and process control. A recent redesign of the tank incorporating aluminum-lithium alloys has presented unique challenges to the established ET fracture control methodology. This paper describes the fracture control approach for the ET and the adaptation of methodologies for the aluminum-lithium redesign. The described approach can be applied to any fracture critical structure with short mission life and operational stresses which approach the capability of the material.


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    Title :

    Fracture Control Methodology for the Space Shuttle Aluminum-Lithium External Tank


    Contributors:
    D. N. Wells (author) / P. B. McGill (author) / N. C. Elfer (author) / G. C. Faile (author)

    Publication date :

    2001


    Size :

    20 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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