Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Bangs, W. F.

Publications and source records attributed to Bangs, W. F..

5 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

The development of STS payload environmental engineering standards

The presently reported effort to provide a single set of standards for the design, analysis and testing of Space Transportation System (STS) payloads throughout the NASA organization must be viewed as essentially experimental, since the concept of incorporating the diverse opinions and experiences of several separate field research centers may in retrospect be judged too ambitious or perhaps even naive. While each STS payload may have unique characteristics, and the project should formulate its own criteria for environmental design, testing and evaluation, a reference source document providing coordinated standards is expected to minimize the duplication of effort and limit random divergence of practices among the various NASA payload programs. These standards would provide useful information to all potential STS users, and offer a degree of standardization to STS users outside the NASA organization.

Bangs, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The Shuttle environment from a payload viewpoint

The paper describes the basis for current estimates of Shuttle environments. It considers available predictions of environments, uncertainties, worst-case conditions and discusses how this data base is used to derive the environmental design requirements. These requirements are assessed from a payload viewpoint, i.e., how they affect payload type, design, mission, location in Shuttle and payload classification. Finally, typical future Shuttle payloads (a pallet-mounted instrument and a spacecraft) are discussed relative to how the Shuttle environments influenced the payload design and test approach.

Divita, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Cost effective dynamic design and test requirements for Shuttle payloads

The results of a study examining current spacecraft dynamic design and test requirements for the cost effective design and development of Shuttle payloads are presented. Dynamic environments, payload configurations, design/test requirements, test levels, assembly level of testing, simulation methods, prototype role, load limiting, test facilities, and flight measurements are discussed as they relate to the development of a cost effective design and test philosophy for Shuttle Spacelab payloads. It is concluded that changes to current design/test practices will minimize long range payload costs. However, changes to current practices need be quantitatively evaluated before an orderly progression to more cost effective methods can be achieved without undue risk of mission failures. Of major importance is optimization of test levels and plans for payloads and payload subsystems which will result in minimum project costs.

Stahle, C. V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A comparison of acoustic and random vibration testing of spacecraft

Before selecting the most suitable testing technique in a particular case, it has to be considered which of the two methods duplicates better the distribution of vibration responses to be expected during the actual launch phase. An investigation is conducted of the case of a large, low density spacecraft launched by a vehicle which produces significant acoustic noise and transmits relatively little vibration through the mechanical path provided by the vehicle structure in the area of the spacecraft interface. Criteria for vibration-acoustic equivalence are discussed along with tests conducted with the Synchronous Meteorological Satellite, the Radio Astronomy Explorer, and the Orbiting Geophysical Spacecraft. The investigation indicates that the vibration test is generally a poor substitute for an acoustic study.-

Bangs, W. F.↗