The CTV (crew transfer vessel) is able to transport four persons to and from ISSA (international space station alpha). During phase A of the CTV project, two parallel studies were performed by the team of Aerospatiale and the team of DASA. In the team of Aerospatiale, SABCA (Societe Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aeronautiques) was responsible for the study of the structure, interfaces and mechanisms of the CTV-CM (crew module). The structure is composed of three large parts: Pressurised volume, external cone and heat shield. The connection between the three structural parts minimises thermal stresses. The structure is almost entirely made of carefully chosen aluminium alloys. The dimensioning of the structure is done by static and dynamic finite element calculation. It is guided by numerous loadcases, each one being a combination of acceleration, pressure and interface loads. The two structural interfaces of the CM have an important impact on the structural design. The CM-RM (ressource module) interface must be able to transfer considerable launch loads while minimising interferences with the surrounding heatshield. The CM-LES (launch escape system) interface introduces important concentrated loads in the load carrying pressurized volume. A deployable flap is placed at the side of the heatshield frame. The structure contains a side- and a tunnel hatch which feature a support and lock mechanism. Future optimization of the structure will consider the use of GFRP (glass fibre reinforces plastics) composite parts.
Crew transfer vehicle - Crew module study on structure, mechanisms, interfaces
Gefährt zum Besatzungstransfer - Untersuchung des Moduls für die Mannschaft hinsichtlich Struktur, Mechanismen, Schnittstellen
1996
7 Seiten, 13 Bilder
Conference paper
English
Crew transfer vehicle: crew module study on structure, mecchanisms and interfaces
British Library Online Contents | 1996
|Crew transfer vehicle: crew module study on structure, mecchanisms and interfaces
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996
|Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) and Crew Transfer Vehicle (CTV) Accommodations Study
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998
|Machine Intelligence and Crew-Vehicle Interfaces
AIAA | 1989
|NTIS | 2011
|