SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1997
STP12303S

On Space Flight Pressure Vessel Fracture Control

Source

Pressure vessels (PVs) are classified as fracture critical items in most space systems including the space shuttle, launch vehicles, and spacecraft. Fracture control requirements specified in MIL-STD-1522A are being implemented to the metallic PVs used in most of the space programs. However, requirements in “-1522A” are not applicable to composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), which are widely used in current space programs. A research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) program is being conducted to generate database needed for establishing fracture control requirements for the COPVs. This paper provides an overview of the fracture control of the metallic PVs and reports important findings obtained from this RDT&E program. The important COPV findings include fatigue and fracture analysis methods used for the metallic liners, nondestructive evaluation techniques, and impact damage effects on the composite overwraps.

Author Information

Chang, JB
The Aerospace Corporation
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E08
Pages: 86–104
DOI: 10.1520/STP12303S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5374-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2410-3