Re: More Challenger Doubletalk and Uncertainty


"Dave Mayes" <dmayes57@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:3e100743-88fb-4578-a5bb-5e7ca6d1b23b@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Jan 28, 10:06 pm, "Mark Kelepouris" <markkel...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

"Leopold Stotch" <***...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
The fact that the four segments delivered via Thiokol have to be assembled
into one propellent grain is scary but understandable. (transportwise)
But Crikey, fancy relying on "o" rings for a final seal, I dont care what
kind of rubber they use.
Mark

There is a thermal barrier between the hot gases and the two rubber o-
rings. See this diagram here:

http://history.nasa.gov/rogersrep/v1p57.htm

I believe it was also an o-ring pressurization aid.

Dave,
Thanks for the link mate,
There's so much information there!
For some missguided reason I thought the putty was only introduced after
Challenger and it's crew's end.
Sorry about that.
It's sad that the pressure testing actually did more damage than it was
worth.
They increased the test pressure even though history data showed 'O' ring
damage was worse with a pressure increase, due to the putty getting it's ass
blown off and therefore allowing a path for the hot gasses to attack the
very cold and very unsealable 'o' rings. (in Challenger's case)
But it went on anyway, crapp decisions were made.
Costly mistakes.

Mark


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