Loading...
Please wait, while we are loading the content...
Similar Documents
Structural analysis of a bolted joint concept for the space shuttle's solid rocket motor casing
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Stalnaker, Winifred A. Lindell, Michael C. |
| Copyright Year | 1987 |
| Description | The Space Shuttle Challenger accident is thought to have been caused by the failure of one of the tang-clevis joints joining together the casing segments of the Solid Rocket Motors (SRM). Excessive displacement between the tang and clevis, possibly unseating the O-ring seals, may have initiated the resulting accident. An effort was made at NASA Langley Research Center to design an alternative concept for mating the casing segments. A bolted flange joint concept was designed and analyzed to determine if the concept would effectively maintain a seal while minimizing joint weight and controlling stress levels. It is shown that under the loading conditions analyzed the seal area of the joint remains seated. The only potential stress problem is a stress concentration in the flange at the edge of the bolt hole, which is highly localized. While heavier than the existing joint, this concept does have some advantages making the bolted joint an attractive alternative. |
| File Size | 2457117 |
| Page Count | 8 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_19880003149 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t7bs3pd8d |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 1987-09-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance Dynamic Structural Analysis Space Shuttles O Ring Seals Solid Propellant Rocket Engines Bolted Joints Rocket Engine Cases Challenger Orbiter Design Analysis Alternatives Accidents Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports Server (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
