wrote:
wrote:
A titanium structure would weigh less...

No, substantially more -- NASA estimated an extra 2t -- although that
would be more than made up by lighter thermal protection.

NASA did study this option. Why did they pick aluminum? Was it
just
the cost of titanium fabrication.

Why would a titanium structre weight 2 tons *more* than an aluminum
one?Titanium has a higher strength/weight ratio, and although
aluminum
has a better stiffness/weight ration, that does not seem as relevent.
I would expect a titanium wing to weigh less, be stronger, but flex
more.


Flexing wing might be a bit of a bitch when it comes to the heat sheild
tiles..... load comes on, gaps open up, hot gases get in...... ???