Engineering topics

Buell, D. N.

Publications and source records attributed to Buell, D. N..

3 records

NASA NTRS1986

Wind tunnel test evaluation of a Shuttle derived launch system

The Shuttle Derived Vehicle (SDV) is a proposed unmanned launch system configured using Shuttle elements. The SDV incorporates two solid rocket boosters, an external tank and three Space Shuttle main engines identical to those used in the present Space Transportation System. Two new elements, a recoverable propulsion/avionics module housing the main engines and an expendable payload module, complete the SDV configuration. This paper describes the activities and results of wind tunnel tests conducted to validate the aerodynamic and controllability characteristics of SDV configurations. The configuration variables consisted of the payload module diameter, length and nose shape. The tests were conducted in the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel. Aerodynamic force and moment data were obtained over a Mach number range of 0.6 to 4.96. The attack and sideslip angles were varied + or - 8.0 deg. Forces and moments were measured by a sting-supported six component strain gage balance.

Tewell, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Shuttle derived launch vehicle wind tunnel tests

Studies are being conducted regarding new launch vehicle configurations which may effectively and economically share the delivery of payloads to orbit with the present Space Transportation System (STS). The role envisaged for these launch vehicles is related to the execution of missions whose requirements exceed the STS Shuttle capabilities, taking into account the delivery of much heavier or larger payloads. One class of advanced launch vehicles is configured to take advantage of the existing Shuttle hardware and facilities. Such vehicles are referred to as Shuttle Derived Vehicles (SDV). One version of an SDV consists of two STS elements, including the external tank (ET) and solid rocket boosters, and a cargo carrier. Attention is given to wind tunnel tests, which are being conducted with SDV sidemount configurations incorporating various size payload modules.

Tewell, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A Shuttle Derived Vehicle launch system

This paper describes a Shuttle Derived Vehicle (SDV) launch system presently being studied for the NASA by Martin Marietta Aerospace which capitalizes on existing Shuttle hardware elements to provide increased accommodations for payload weight, payload volume, or both. The SDV configuration utilizes the existing solid rocket boosters, external tank and the Space Shuttle main engines but replaces the manned orbiter with an unmanned, remotely controlled cargo carrier. This cargo carrier substitution more than doubles the performance capability of the orbiter system and is realistically achievable for minimal cost. The advantages of the SDV are presented in terms of performance and economics. Based on these considerations, it is concluded that an unmanned SDV offers a most attractive complement to the present Space Transportation System.

Tewell, J. R.↗