GROUND WIND INDUCED OSCILLATIONS OF THE TITAN III INTEGRATE-TRANSFER-LAUNCH TRANSPORTER.
Abstract
The Integrate-Transfer-Launch (ITL) transporter is used to transfer the Air Force Titan IIIC launch vehicle from the assembly areas to the launch pad at Cape Kennedy. On four occasions during the fall of 1964, the empty transporter was observed to oscillate in both moderate and high winds. In two instances the structure sustained minor damage. The purpose of this report is to make a study of these oscillations and attempt to (1) show the importance of taking aeroelastic factors into consideration during design of structures such as the transporter mast and launch vehicles, and (2) indicate the current state of the aeroelastic design art. To understand and solve the oscillation problem, theoretical flow models of the aerodynamic phenomena were postulated, and a series of aerodynamic and mechanical fixes were designed to reduce or eliminate the ground wind induced oscillations of the transporter. A wind tunnel test was then conducted with dynamically scaled models of both the transporter and launch vehicle to (1) reproduce the phenomena, (2) define the problem, and (3) determine suitable fixes to eliminate the transporter problem without inducing any oscillation problems with the launch vehicle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0810437
Entities
People
- John M. Lyons
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation