Structural analysis of the Space Shuttle Orbiter

Abstract

The structural analysis of the Space Shuttle orbiter was planned with two concepts in mind: use derivatives or subsets of the same basic finite element model whenever feasible, and substantiate the model's predictive capability by performing ground tests. The analysis cycle (model modal loads stress (MMLS)) starts with the finite element model conception and ends with the detailed stress analysis and margins of safety. The structural analysis of the orbiter encompasses a variety of static and dynamic problems. The salient features of these problems and their solutions are examined.