Re: wrap Et in mesh?

Craig Fink wrote: 
On Wed, 06 Apr 2005 20:14:22 -0400, Lynndel Humphreys wrote:


Seriously, per the many briefings yesterday a spokeperson was referring to
suggestions of embedded fibres and nets and said something along the lines
it would create more problems than not. Did not elaborate....



It's not weight, it's not strength, makes me wonder what problems?


AIUI, The ETs are coated with the foam, which is then "machined" into its final aerodynamic shape after the foam has solidified. Given that, here are some problems that might have to be solved:

If fiber/mesh is applied before foam solidifies:

* how do you place the fiber/mesh at the correct distance from the tank wall so that it'll end up at the outer surface of the foam?

* if the fiber/mesh is embedded in the foam (not at the surface), what is the effect on the tendency of the foam to break loose? You're essentially building-in a separation plane in the foam...

* how well does the foam adhere to a useful fiber/mesh?

If fiber/mesh is applied after the solidified foam is machined:

* how do you guarantee that the fiber/mesh remains attached to the ET surface, particularly considering the aerodynamic & radiant heating that occurs during flight?

* how do you apply the fiber/mesh to the machined tank, accounting for the LOX feed pipe, intertank access hatch, LH2 umbilical interface, and other protuberances?

--
Reed Snellenberger
GPG KeyID: 5A978843
rsnellenberger-at-houston.rr.com
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: wrap Et in mesh?
    ... > its final aerodynamic shape after the foam has solidified. ... > * how do you place the fiber/mesh at the correct distance from the tank ... The foam is put on the tank layer by layer with separation planes of foam. ... Craig Fink ...
    (sci.space.shuttle)
  • Re: wrap Et in mesh?
    ... Is the foam sprayed on in straight lines or applied in specific patterns ... > If fiber/mesh is applied before foam solidifies: ... > * how do you place the fiber/mesh at the correct distance from the tank ... > * how do you apply the fiber/mesh to the machined tank, ...
    (sci.space.shuttle)