EFFECT OF A LOAD-ALLEVIATING STRUCTURE ON THE LANDING BEHAVIOR OF A REENTRY-CAPSULE MODEL
Abstract
Model tests were made to determine the landingimpact characteristics of a parachute-supported reentry capsule that had a compliable metal structure as a load-alleviating device. A 1/6scale dynamic model having compliable Al-alloy legs designed to give a low onset rate of acceleration on impact was tested. Landings were made on concrete, sand, and water. The maximum acceleration encountered was approximately 35g and the maximum onset rate was 2,000 g/sec. The model tumbled in landings on concrete at the 55 degrees flight-path, + or - 30 degrees contact-attitude conditions; therefore, loadalleviating devices on the canister end of the model would be required. To evaluate the scaling characteristics of compliable metal structures, models were tested with 1/4.1-scale and fullscale Al-alloy legs. The maximum vertical accelerations and strokes obtained from tests of the 1/4.1-scale and full-scale legs were the same within the recording accuracy of the equipment. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0256947
Entities
People
- Edward L. Hoffman
- John R. Mcgehee
- Sandy M. Stubbs
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration