NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
General Discussion => Q&A Section => Topic started by: cube on 03/17/2022 04:49 pm
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Hello, a rocket engine with a cardan system must logically have flexible fuel and oxidizer supply pipes (from the tanks to the injectors), what are its pipes made of so that it is flexible ?
Does anyone know of a website or video that talks about it?
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Hello, a rocket engine with a cardan system must logically have flexible fuel and oxidizer supply pipes (from the tanks to the injectors), what are its pipes made of so that it is flexible ?
Does anyone know of a website or video that talks about it?
Some have bellows in them like the flexible drinking straws. Some have flex lines with woven metal fabric over a liner.
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Actually, you can do it without flexible elements. The first fluid can go though the ball joint the engine pivots at, and the second one can be routed though pipe bends connected via swivel joints. A bit like the joints on a rigid diving (or space) suit. The seals will still require a lot of design effort.
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Actually, you can do it without flexible elements. The first fluid can go though the ball joint the engine pivots at, and the second one can be routed though pipe bends connected via swivel joints. A bit like the joints on a rigid diving (or space) suit. The seals will still require a lot of design effort.
Not really.
1. There isn't a ball joint
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The flex lines are seen in many photos here
http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets/Specials/Atlas_MA-drive-system/index.htm
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Thank you !
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It's impressive that flexible pipes can withstand so much pressure.
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Here are some diagrams/photos of the 12-inch and 17- inch flexible joints used in the Space Shuttle. They are known as "Ball Strut Tie Rod Assemblies" (BSTRA) - the flexible metallic bellows sections are supported and aligned with internal support struts that can pivot about a central ball.