HYPERVELOCITY IMPACT ON PRESSURIZED STRUCTURES (PART 1)
Abstract
Diaphragms of thin titanium and aluminum alloy stainless steel sheet have been pressurized with liquid and gaseous oxygen and gaseous nitrogen, and subjected to impact from a high velocity, small steel projectile. Titanium alloys burn in the oxygen environment, but do not burn in either the sea-level air environment or pure nitrogen at pressures up to 60 psi. Films of WD-40 may inhibit the oxidation of titanium in gaseous oxygen, but have little or no effect in retarding combustion of the titanium in liquid oxygen. Although stainless steel and aluminum are relatively unreactive in the oxygen environment, these metals will burn when placed in contact with burning titanium. Moreover, all metal diaphragms under 60-psi pressure may catastrophically rip when a certain crack length or perforated area is attained. Care should be exercised in the design of an aerospace vehicle to keep thin gauge titanium sheet away from contact with liquid or gaseous oxygen.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0660566
Entities
People
- H. H. Hunt
- J. N. Wellnitz
- R. F. Rolsten
Organizations
- General Dynamics