Reentry Vehicle Nosetip Stress Analysis
Abstract
The design analysis problems for graphite and carbon/carbon reentry vehicle nosetips in ballistic and maneuvering trajectories are outlined. The ultimate objective is computer programs for prediction of the thermal and mechanical stress behavior of such nosetips. The steps for qualifying computer programs to attain the objective are discussed in the context of necessary laboratory experiments through flight tests. Present nosetip stress analysis computer programs are characterized, and material behavioral characteristics nor properly treated are identified. Some of the problem areas are different tensile and compressive moduli; nonlinear orthotropic behavior including biaxial softening (substantially increased strains under biaxial tensile loading opposed to uniaxial loading); macroscopic inhomogeneity and asymmetry of carbon/carbon nosetips; incompletely characterized materials; and inadequate failure criteria. Future nosetip stress analysis capabilities are speculatively predicted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA018244
Entities
People
- John R. Koenig
- Robert M. Jones
Organizations
- Southern Methodist University