Re: Dummies question - gap filler


"John A. Weeks III" <john@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:john-0706BF.08443304082005@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> In article <YsnIe.23214$bT4.13778@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
> "John Smith" <johnNOSPAMsmith@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> If you remove something called a 'gap filler' what replaces the gap?
>
> Shuttle techs routinely replace tiles after each mission.
> When do work on a tile, they put these gap fillers on all
> 4 sides of the tile to protect the tiles next to the tile
> that is being fixed. When the repair is done, these gap
> fillers are supposed to be removed. It looks like two of
> them were missed. The problem isn't so much the gap or even
> the filler itself. The issue is that if the filler breaks
> off due to aerodynamic forces, it could damage the two
> adjacent tiles. Two missing tiles in a sensitive place
> could be a real problem.
>
> -john-
>

Thanks but... the filler was several inches in length and a few milimeters
thick which, to me, would leave a gap between the two tiles it was
inbetween. Doesn't that now leave a gap in the heat-shield or do the tiles
expand when heated? I thought having no gaps, not even minute ones, was
vital?


.

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