On Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 4:43:56 PM UTC-5, JF Mezei wrote:
On 2020-03-03 11:36, David Spain wrote:

I suspect that isn't really correct. I'd have to double check but AFAIK
there isn't tons of security around the McGregor test site.

But MUSK isn't staging shows like he does at Boca Chica knowing geeks
have cameras 7/24 pointed to it, knowing the press will report on every
bowel movement seen there. (or explosive vomiting :-)

The engine development has been much more "normal", out of the limelight
and PR games. And one should not underestimate the success just because
it has been quiet. Engines are a BIG item in any rocket especially
since Raptors are not only brand new, but also based on new fuel.





I think you are confusing failure with progress and are too skeptical.

With composites, the key to avoiding any flaw that can lead to
structural failure is the process. The process must not introduce flaws
to start with. (as opposed to detecting and getting any bubbles out
before it si cured).


If steel welds have flaws that result in total failure, then the key is
to find a welding process that does not introduce flaws. Welding outdoos
near the beach isn't likely to be something that Musk knows will ever
work, but still builds the beer kegs knowing they will fail. Good show.
I have to imagine that SpaceX is working elsewhere on a perfect welding
process (robots etc).


With each "failure" you learn an incredible amount of information that
can be put to practical use almost immediately. Instead of crying
"fail!" after each RUD I say "progress!".

But if you know that welding the rings by hand outdoors will always have
imperfections, then continuuing to do so becomes a side show to
entertain the space geeks because you are working elsewhere on a real
solution.

Off the shelf rolls of steel is cheap. And the beer keg building
exercises may be more focused towards training a workforce than to build
test items. And this exercise may also train the workforce on detecting
welding imperfections (a process that will still be needed even if you
get robots to do perfect welds).

I suspect you just do not understand manufacturing techniques. You do not train a workforce by building defective items. You do know that welding stainless steel is an established practice? And that such welds and be inspected using X-ray equipment?

You seem to make it clear that you do not approve of Elon Musk or his techniques. That's fine but there are other experts here that keep pointing out to you facts that you keep ignoring. If you are going to argue with experts, you'd better know something about the topics.