|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Choosing Tile Repair Methods for Rentry
After seeing news about the latest foam-damage to Endeavor's heat
shield, there seems to be a problem in selecting one of three repair methods. Why not employ all three? Put in some foam; spray the dried foam with heat-dissipating paint; then bolt on the plate. Of course, even with all three fixes in place, the landing mission should be "volunteer only" now. Teacher-in-space gets to remain on station for another shuttle...or a suyuz. What fun! |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Choosing Tile Repair Methods for Rentry
Well, judging from what I've seen in the past, this damage is pretty minor
unless there exists some unseen damage like fracturing of a larger area of tile. I can recall from way back before the Shuttle flew, that aerodynamic tests said that given the re entry profile, the heat protection was well over engineered. As for method, I'm not that comfortable with the screw on plate idea, as it does cause extra damage to tiles in order to affix it, and although the area looks flat, I suspect its actually not. My guess, if anything is done, is that a wash is used, and maybe the Goop on top if that is possible. I imagine the engineers will be interested in seeing how this performs in real conditions anyway. The main problem, as we heard last night is that any damage below the tile will need action which will impact turn around. It should be remembered that the reason we had the break up of Columbia was that the hot gasses got into the structure from one of the hottest areas, and hopefully, they have got this covered now. Also, listening to the risk which has always been considered OK, from Nasa's point of view, makes you realise that there is no such thing as safe as you and I might regard it. These people know the risks. The problem before was well documented complacency and all the other things. Though not perfect, I think realism has set in at Nasa. Brian -- Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email. graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them Email: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________ "heremon" wrote in message oups.com... After seeing news about the latest foam-damage to Endeavor's heat shield, there seems to be a problem in selecting one of three repair methods. Why not employ all three? Put in some foam; spray the dried foam with heat-dissipating paint; then bolt on the plate. Of course, even with all three fixes in place, the landing mission should be "volunteer only" now. Teacher-in-space gets to remain on station for another shuttle...or a suyuz. What fun! |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
apparent ice ding may require tile repair | Jim Oberg | Space Station | 2 | August 11th 07 07:56 PM |
Shuttle tile repair in space, Why not? | Steve W. | Space Shuttle | 13 | August 14th 05 01:23 AM |
Tile and RCC repair for return to flight | Jim Kingdon | Space Station | 2 | October 29th 04 05:10 AM |
Pink Goop Tile Caulking Repair Kit | ElleninLosAngeles | Space Shuttle | 2 | October 29th 03 05:43 AM |
MSNBC (Oberg): NASA returns to roots for tile repair | James Oberg | History | 0 | September 19th 03 03:33 PM |