Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Glenn E Daniels.
Guidelines are provided on probable climatic extremes and terrestrial environment data applicable to space vehicle and associated equipment design and development. Operational criteria for ground support sites are emphasized.
A space vehicle's response to atmospheric disturbances includes many parameters, the choice of criteria (parameters) depending upon the vehicle configuration and the specific mission. Response calculation methods for all phases of vehicle design are separated into their various phases and parts, using different approaches and methods of evaluation, as the particular phase demands. Although not independent, these phases include: (1) preliminary design; (2) final structural design; (3) guidance and control system design and optimization (preliminary and final); and (4) establishment of limits and procedures for launch and flight operations. Thus, the proper selection, representation, and use of wind information require the skillfully coordinated efforts of aerospace meteorologists and engineers.
Particle erosion of spacecraft surface is considered in aerospace vehicle and associated facility designs. When the speed of the spacecraft with relation to atmospheric suspended particles is high, erosion occurs even when the particles have a hardness less than the exposed surface. Surface impact damage parameters are developed for sand, dust, raindrops, snow, and hail particles at earth surface and at altitude.
Spacecraft equipment is usually protected from fungi and bacteria by incorporating a fungicide-bactericide in the material, by a fungicide-bactericide spray, or by reducing the relative humidity to a degree where growth will not take place. A unique method to protect delicate, expensive bearings in equipment was to maintain a pressure (with dry air or nitrogen) slightly above the outside atmosphere (few millibars) within the working parts of the equipment, thus preventing fungi from entering equipment.