Testing of a Delta IV Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) Substructure With an Integral Composite Flange

Abstract

The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) has developed a unique composite Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) shell design Alliant Techsystems (ATK) and the Boeing Company Huntington Beach CA have developed manufacturing processes and a shell design that incorporates an all-composite forward flange with transverse reinforcement (Z-pinning) at key locations to prevent transverse separation and failure under high bending loads. This paper describes testing equipment instrumentation and procedures developed and executed by the AFRL in Albuquerque NM to demonstrate the structural adequacy of the composite joint under increasing quasi-static load cycles near predicted failure. The overwhelmingly positive results obtained from this design and test program have led to new initiatives to develop modified designs for similar PAF structures.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA450731

Entities

People

  • Greg Sanford
  • Jeffry S. Welsh
  • John E. Higgins

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aluminum
  • Composite Materials
  • Compression
  • Data Acquisition
  • Data Sets
  • Fabrication
  • Flight Loads
  • Instrumentation
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Manufacturing
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Stiffness
  • Strain Gages

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Structural Dynamics.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.

Technology Areas

  • Space