Ariane 4 and composite materials
Abstract
The composite structure of the upper parts of the Ariane 4 utilized for load carrying are described. The three main structures are the fairing, the double launch structure, and the vehicle equipment bay; the development of the components is discussed. The fairing structure is designed to protect the payload against environmental effects on the ground and in-flight and consists of two parts; model survey, static, separation, and rain tests are performed on the fairing. The configuration of the double launch structure composed of two cylinders and a cone joined by aluminum rings is examined. The vehicle equipment bay is to carry and protect launcher equipment on the ground and during flight, and is the link between the fairing or double structure and the third stage. The structure consists of an outer cone, inner cone, a platform, and outer coverings. Consideration is given to the design and development and qualification tests for the vehicle equipment bay. Diagrams of the three structures are presented.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report A
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985STIA...8712663E
- Keywords:
-
- Ariane Launch Vehicle;
- Composite Materials;
- Graphite-Epoxy Composites;
- Sandwich Structures;
- Spacecraft Construction Materials;
- Technology Assessment;
- Aluminum;
- Payloads;
- Static Tests;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles