Accession Number:
ADA276713
Title:
Honeycomb Sandwich Structures: Vented Versus Unvented Designs for Space Systems
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. Sep 1992-Oct 1993
Corporate Author:
AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CA
Personal Author(s):
Report Date:
1993-10-01
Pagination or Media Count:
21.0
Abstract:
Several space systems programs have experienced significant anomalies associated with failures of unvented honeycomb sandwich structures. Based on documentation and personal experience, this report provides descriptions of the structures involved, the circumstances of the failures, and corrective actions. Of special note, it is concluded that failures occur due to internal pressure when the external environment is reduced in ambient pressure. Such failures are initiated at weak bond areas presumed to result from a manufacturing defect - areas that were not previously identifiedrepaired. Once initiated, separation of the skin-to-core bond propagates very rapidly and has been described as explosive, It is recommended that honeycomb structures for space systems be adequately vented whenever possible. In situations where venting is not feasible, a series of recommendations is presented to minimize the likelihood of failure. Design and manufacturing parameters are listed for honeycomb sandwich panels that are not fully vented, in order to reduce the likelihood of failure.
Descriptors:
- *BONDING
- *FAILURE(MECHANICS)
- *AIR PRESSURE
- *LAUNCH VEHICLES
- *SANDWICH PANELS
- *HONEYCOMB STRUCTURES
- TEST AND EVALUATION
- ANOMALIES
- FIBERGLASS
- PAYLOAD
- SPACECRAFT
- CORES
- MANUFACTURING
- SPACE SYSTEMS
- AIR FLOW
- ARRAYS
- STRENGTH(MECHANICS)
- DEFECTS(MATERIALS)
- GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
- ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
- PRESSURE
- EXTERNAL
- SOLAR PANELS
- INTERNAL PRESSURE
- FAIRINGS
- VENTING
Subject Categories:
- Fluid Mechanics
- Unmanned Spacecraft
- Manned Spacecraft