Shuttle Foam

Spin_Network

Anyone have details on the Foam, ie its composition..some data on its manufacturer..anything on how it is applied to the Shuttle External Tank would be great. I have an idea on the foam braking away during lift off, but this is purely based on factors I have been trying to tackle with, that are not stress related, so until I know everything about the Foam and how it is applied to the tank, it wont make any sense.

Any tech links would be greatly recieved, thanks.

Astronuc

- from http://anon.nasa-global.speedera.net...s_chapter3.pdf

I believe this is from the CAIB report, but I haven't confirmed it.

See also - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/External_Tank

and - Modification of Space Shuttle Tiles? - post 11

Spin_Network

A very generous array of links and data, many thanks.

FredGarvin

He's good like that ;-)

Astronuc

So are you Fred

There is also some useful photos showing how the complexity of the Space Shuttle External Tank at - http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall...e/shuttle.html

The major problem for the foam is the PAL area and Bipod region. The Bipod area creates significant turbulence - vortex shedding off the cylindrical structures.

It appears that the area on ET-121 (on STS-114, Discovery), which lost the foam, was a patch and blend repair. There is definitely a need for improvement in this area.

In reality, the foam loss is only significant on the shuttle side of the tank or roughly 1/3 of the circumferential surface. A kevlar mesh with about 5-8 cm pitch and located just below the surface of the foam would seem reasonable to ensure a reduction in foam loss - but perhaps easier said than done.