Author Topic: Human Spacecraft Structural Design  (Read 22764 times)

Offline Dikuza

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Human Spacecraft Structural Design
« on: 11/10/2023 12:23 am »
Hello! Does anyone know where I can find details regarding the design of primary structures for human spacecraft capsules (Orion, Starliner, Dragon)? Other than googling images I haven't found a lot of design info.

Things like how the heatshield frame and fuel tanks are secured to the crew cabin pressure vessel, materials used, what certain parts are for, strain isolation pads between parts, etc

For example, in the first image below are the brackets circled on the barrel what's used to secure the heatshield or are these just ground support equipment? Is there any form of suspension or damping between these two for impact aborption or rigidly attached?

Similarly, what the brackets for in the second image and why are there different types? Just for mounting the backshell panels or another reason?

  [1]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/pCOxb.jpg
  [2]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/bf8rP.jpg

Offline Remes

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Re: Human Spacecraft Structural Design
« Reply #1 on: 11/16/2023 04:48 pm »
Those 3 spacecraft are owned by private companies. So I think you will not have really any chance.

For the lunar lander it is different:
https://archive.org/details/apertureCardBox515NARASW_images/page/n53/mode/2up

If I'm not mistaken, the 4 points in image 1 are the attachement points for the spacecraft. The heatshield is bonded. I think they used for those 4 points 3d woven thermal protection systems which would have the strength to hold the spacecraft and still protect the capsule at reentry.

 

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