An Investigation of a Deforming Energy-Absorption System for Space-Vehicle Landings.
Abstract
A deforming system for protecting a space vehicle during a landing impact is described and experimentally evaluated. The impact energy is absorbed mostly by the cutting of plastic foam pads, but partially by the buckling of their tubular support structure. Expandable foam is chosen because of its advantages in packaging and in reducing penetration of the landing surface. The foam and its supporting structure are utilized in such a way as to benefit tip-over stability and over-all efficiency of energy absorption (energy absorbed divided by the weight of the entire energy absorbing system), with priority given to the latter. The resulting system, when compared with another proposed system, has exceptionally good over-all efficiency, namely, 545 ft-lb/l0b, but has less satisfactory stability, with the model vehicle restricted to a 5 deg ground slope and nearly vertical impacts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- ADA307744
Entities
People
- Arthur J. Kaskey
- Robert M. Sorenson
- Robert W. Warner
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration