Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Rader, W. P..
The basic parameters of random noise and vibration are described, and typical environments for the launch phase and orbital operations are presented. For the latter, both acoustically induced and structure-borne, thruster-included vibration are addressed, using data obtained during the Skylab and Titan programs.
Analytical and test techniques are discussed. Areas in which hindsight indicated erroneous, redundant, or unnecessarily severe design and test specifications are identified. Recommendations are made for improvements in the dynamic design and criteria philosophy, aimed at reducing costs for payloads.
The current predicted acoustic environment for the shuttle orbiter payload bay will produce random vibration environments for payload components and subsystems which potentially will result in design, weight and cost penalties if means of protecting the payloads are not developed. Results are presented of a study to develop, through design and cost effectiveness trade studies, conceptual noise suppression device designs for space shuttle payloads. The impact of noise suppression on environmental levels and associated test costs, and on test philosophy for the various payload classes is considered with the ultimate goal of reducing payload test costs. Conclusions and recommendations are presented.
Data measurement and interpretation techniques were defined for application to the first few space shuttle flights, so that the dynamic environment could be sufficiently well established to be used to reduce the cost of future payloads through more efficient design and environmental test techniques. It was concluded that: (1) initial payloads must be given comprehensive instrumentation coverage to obtain detailed definition of acoustics, vibration, and interface loads, (2) analytical models of selected initial payloads must be developed and verified by modal surveys and flight measurements, (3) acoustic tests should be performed on initial payloads to establish realistic test criteria for components and experiments in order to minimize unrealistic failures and retest requirements, (4) permanent data banks should be set up to establish statistical confidence in the data to be used, (5) a more unified design/test specification philosophy is needed, (6) additional work is needed to establish a practical testing technique for simulation of vehicle transients.
The Skylab program presented an excellent opportunity to investigate the effects of noise on man confined in limited space for long periods of time. This paper summarizes the results of a 4-year study to achieve a habitable noise environment for the Skylab astronauts. Noise control measures are described and noise measurements obtained during the Skylab missions are presented, as well as the astronauts' reactions to and evaluations of the noise environment.
Mass loading effects on pyrotechnic shock environment of aerospace systems
Characteristics of shock loads on spacecraft structures produced by pyrotechnics and explosive devices - Vol. 1
Pyrotechnic shock data associated with structure cutting charges consisting of mild detonating fuse and flexible linear shaped charge - Vol. 2
Determination of shock loads on spacecraft structures created by explosive separation of components - Vol. 3
Compilation of shock loads on spacecraft structures produced by actuation of pyrotechnics and explosive devices - Vol. 4
Design of structures and equipment to reduce shock loads induced by pyrotechnics and explosive devices - Vol. 6
Characteristics of shock loads induced on spacecraft structures by initiation of explosive pin pullers - Vol. 5