Nordlund, R. M. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1985

Space Shuttle Main Engine nozzle thermal protection system

Two of the three Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) nozzles are exposed to significant reentry aeroheating loads. To ensure reusability of the Nozzle Assembly, the nozzle primary structure must not exceed specific temperature limits. Due to the thermal, pressure, and dynamic flexing of the nozzle during a mission cycle, an appropriate insulating system must have significant flexibility. Recent missions have demonstrated nozzle reentry aeroheating rates and heat loads much higher than predictions, higher than the capability of the original insulating system. A new insulating system has been developed using similar materials in an aerodynamically 'smooth' shape to both reduce the incoming heating and increase radiation cooling.

Nordlund, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Productivity improvement in engineering at Rocketdyne

The Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International has embarked on a productivity improvement program in engineering. This effort included participation in the White Collar Productivity Improvement (WCPI) project sponsored by the American Productivity Center. A number of things have been learned through this project. It seems that any productivity improvement project should be employee driven. The Rocketdyne project was essentially started as a result of a grassroots effort to remove some particular hindrances, and employee enthusiasm was a prime factor in the continuing progress of the effort. A significant result was that awareness of problems at all levels increased. Many issues surfaced in the diagnostic phase, and were then noted and discussed. This process added legitimacy to issues that had previously been merely unspoken concerns. The initial feelings of many members of the pilot group was that significant changes would occur relatively quickly. It is now recognized that this will have to be an ongoing, long-term effort.

Nordlund, R. M.↗