Engineering topics

Whitehead, Douglas S.

Publications and source records attributed to Whitehead, Douglas S..

2 records

NASA NTRS1990

Optimizing Space Shuttle ascent trajectories within environmental constraints

A method is presented for relating the structural margin requirements for the Space Shuttle Vehicle to flight design criteria. Using this approach, it is possible to develop flight designs that optimize structural margins and payload. It is also shown how wind and environmental data bases are incorporated into the Space Shuttle mission flight design activities.

Whitehead, Douglas S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

On the relationship between wind profiles and the STS ascent structural loads

The response of STS ascent structural load indicators to the wind profile is analyzed. The load indicator values versus Mach numbers are calculated with algorithms using trajectory information. The ascent load minimum margin concept is used to show that the detailed wind profile structure measured by the Jimsphere wind system is not needed to assess the STS rigid body structural wind loads.

Smith, Orvel E.↗